A "Canon" refers to a collection of works that are considered to be authoritative or essential within a particular field, such as literature, art, or religion. For example, the Western literary canon includes classic authors like Shakespeare and Homer, whose works have significantly influenced culture and thought over centuries. In a religious context, a canon can also refer to the official list of books that are accepted as scripture, such as the Christian Bible or the Quran. These texts are deemed sacred and are central to the beliefs and practices of their respective faiths, guiding followers in their spiritual lives.