What does the term "deity" refer to in philosophical discussion?

In philosophical discussion, the term "deity" specifically refers to a belief in a supreme being or divine entity. This generally encompasses the concept of God or gods in various religious frameworks, focusing on their attributes, nature, and role in the universe. Philosophers often engage with ideas about the existence, characteristics, and implications of such supreme beings, exploring how these beliefs influence moral systems, the meaning of life, and human understanding of existence.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of what "deity" refers to in this context. While philosophical ideologies and methods of reasoning are important aspects of philosophical discourse, they do not define "deity." Similarly, societal consensus may play a role in shaping beliefs about deities, but it does not reflect the term itself, which is more focused on individual or collective belief in a higher power.