A collection of principles and rules is referred to as what?

The term that describes a collection of principles and rules is often referred to as a "canon." A canon typically represents a set of established standards or principles that are accepted as authoritative within a particular field or discipline. In various contexts, such as ethics or law, a canon provides foundational rules that guide behavior or decision-making.

In contrast, protocols are typically specific procedures or sets of rules that dictate the steps in a process, often within a technical or scientific context. Criteria refer to specific standards or principles used to judge or evaluate something, which are more focused on decision-making rather than a comprehensive set of rules. Guidelines serve as recommendations or frameworks for action, providing advice rather than strict principles. While all of these terms relate to rules or principles, "canon" distinctly implies a recognized and authoritative collection that governs a particular area.