- "But why control anyone??"
- "Because what you can control...can't hurt you."
- - Odo, Female Changeling (DS9: "The Search, Part II")
The philosophy of the Dominion is divided into three distinct groups, each with notably differing outlooks and aspects. The perspective of the Founders, the Changelings with whom control over the Dominion ultimately rests, was formed from their history of persecution at the hands of non-shapeshifting life-forms they thereafter termed "Solids". To that end, the priority of the Founders is the survival of their own species, by any means necessary. They have no interest in matters such as Klingon honor, the Federation's goal of peaceful exploration, Ferengi material success, or objections made by opposing groups regarding their methods of self-preservation (DS9: "The Search, Part II"). Their philosophy is to dominate everything that can be dominated and destroying all that cannot; the Founders are, in essence, driven by an urge to "impose order on a chaotic universe". This may result from them believing their own propaganda, and convincing themselves from their own claims to subject races, that they are gods destined to lead the inferior solids.
The Founders' extreme longevity (indeed, practical immortality) has provided them with a uniquely long viewpoint. As the genetically engineered and highly intelligent Jack described: the Dominion does not adjust its strategies based on what has occurred within the past week or even year, but is concerned instead with what the universe will look like centuries or more forward. This perspective was evident in the Dominion War, where the strategy was to engage in a long-term war of attrition, counting on superior construction methods and their ability to breed Jem'Hadar, rather than risk everything on one battle. (DS9: "Statistical Probabilities")
Apart from the Changelings' metamorphic abilities, the most distinguishing ability of their species is "linking" – the physical and mental connection of two or more Changelings. The species seems to exist in a collective union called The Great Link for much of their life span, producing a strongly anti-individualist perspective. Consequently, the Founders seem to be a remarkably unified, even monolithic, species. Their most sacred axiom: "No Changeling has ever harmed another" reflects both this and their obsession with physical security.
After the Changelings, races within the Dominion are separated into two distinct subject groups: those genetically-modified to assist in its administration and to ensure compliance with the Founders' commands, and those controlled with differing degrees of subtlety or violence (per the Founders' determination) by the former group. The former—the Vorta and the Jem'Hadar—are dedicated to the service and worship of the Founders, whom they have been biologically programmed to regard as Deities, a philosophy something of a syncretism of Bajoran and Cardassian philosopy, combining religious faith and dedication with absolute loyalty to the state.