eszmék

Eszmék is a Hungarian noun meaning ideas, notions, or ideologies. Used across disciplines, the term denotes abstract constructs that organize thinking, influence values, or guide action. An eszme can be a single guiding concept, such as freedom, equality, or progress, or a more systematic set of beliefs that underpins a political, philosophical, or cultural program. In everyday language, eszmék often refer to ideals or theoretical propositions rather than practical prescriptions.

The term is related to ideológia (ideology), but eszme is often closer to "idea" or "theory" in the sense of a cognitive object, whereas ideológia emphasizes a more organized doctrine or political program. The boundary between them is fluid in Hungarian usage, and eszmék may form part of an ideology when adopted as a coherent platform.

Historically, eszmék have played a role in Hungarian intellectual life, used to discuss reform movements, national identity, or artistic and scientific aspirations. The plural eszmék highlights that societies entertain multiple competing ideas at any given time, often subject to critique, adaptation, or replacement.

In contemporary discourse, eszmék continue to appear in philosophy, politics, sociology, and literary criticism as a way to analyze how collective beliefs emerge, spread, and influence institutions and behavior. See also discussions of concepts, theories, and movements in Hungarian thought and culture for further context.