What term describes a deeply held core belief?

The term that describes a deeply held core belief is "value." Values represent the fundamental ideals and principles that guide an individual's behavior, choices, and judgments. They often reflect what is deemed important in life and serve as a framework for moral reasoning and decision-making.

For instance, values can include beliefs about honesty, integrity, respect for others, and the importance of community or family. They typically influence how individuals perceive the world around them and interact with others.

While principles also relate to fundamental truths or propositions that guide behavior, they tend to be more about rules or guidelines rather than deeply ingrained beliefs. Norms refer to the social standards or rules that dictate acceptable behavior within a group, and convictions imply a strong belief in something, but they may not always align with the broader concept of values. Thus, considering the context of deeply held beliefs, "value" is the most fitting term.