Which term refers to a characteristic orientation of a group's thinking?

The term that refers to a characteristic orientation of a group's thinking is "ideology." Ideology encompasses a set of beliefs, values, and ideas that shape the worldview of a group or individual. It provides a framework for interpretation and influences how members of that group understand and engage with the world around them. Ideologies can manifest in various ways, such as political, social, or economic beliefs, and they guide the decisions and actions of people within the group.

While "philosophy" refers more broadly to the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics, it does not necessarily capture the collective orientation of a specific group’s thinking. "Concept" usually denotes an abstract idea or a mental image and is too vague to describe a characteristic orientation. "Trend" refers to a general direction in which something is developing or changing, but it doesn't imply the deep-rooted beliefs and values that an ideology does. Thus, ideology is the most fitting term for a collective mindset or orientation.