Eclecticism  

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 +:''[[hybrid]], [[mix]]''
'''Eclecticism''' is a conceptual approach that does not hold rigidly to a single [[paradigm]] or set of assumptions, but instead draws upon multiple theories, styles, or ideas to gain complementary insights into a subject, or applies different theories in particular cases. '''Eclecticism''' is a conceptual approach that does not hold rigidly to a single [[paradigm]] or set of assumptions, but instead draws upon multiple theories, styles, or ideas to gain complementary insights into a subject, or applies different theories in particular cases.
-It can be inelegant, and eclectics are sometimes criticised for lack of consistency in their thinking, but it is common in many fields of study. For example, most [[psychologists]] accept parts of [[behaviorism]], but do not attempt to use the theory to explain all aspects of human behavior.+ 
 +It can sometimes seem inelegant or lacking in simplicity, and eclectics are sometimes criticized for lack of consistency in their thinking. It is, however, common in many fields of study. For example, most [[psychologists]] accept certain aspects of [[behaviorism]], but do not attempt to use the theory to explain all aspects of human behavior.
 +==Etymology==
 +From French ''éclectique'', from Ancient Greek ''ἐκλεκτικός'' (eklektikos, “selective”), from ''ἐκλέγω'' (eklegō, “I pick, choose”), from ''ἐκ'' (ek, “out, from”) + ''λέγω'' (legō, “I choose, count”).
 +Cognate to ''elect'', which is from Latin rather than Ancient Greek, hence prefix ''e-'' (from ex) rather than ἐκ (ek).
 + 
==Origin== ==Origin==
-Eclecticism was first practiced by a group of ancient [[philosopher]]s who attached themselves to no real system, but selected from existing philosophical beliefs those doctrines that seemed most reasonable to them. Out of this collected material they constructed their new system of philosophy. The term comes from the [[Ancient Greek|Greek]] ''eklektikos'': choosing the best. Well known eclectics in [[Greek philosophy]] were the [[Stoics]] [[Panaetius]] and [[Posidonius]], and the [[New Academic]]s [[Carneades]] and [[Philo of Larissa]]. Among the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]], [[Cicero]] was thoroughly eclectic, as he united the [[Peripatetic school|Peripatetic]], [[Stoicism|Stoic]], and New Academic doctrines. Further eclectics were [[Marcus Terentius Varro|Varro]] and [[Seneca the Younger|Seneca]].+Eclecticism was first recorded to have been practiced by a group of ancient [[Ancient Greek philosophy|Greek]] and Roman [[philosopher]]s who attached themselves to no real system, but selected from existing philosophical beliefs those doctrines that seemed most reasonable to them. Out of this collected material they constructed their new system of philosophy. The term comes from the [[Ancient Greek|Greek]] "ἐκλεκτικός" (''eklektikos''), literally "choosing the best", and that from "ἐκλεκτός" (''eklektos''), "picked out, select". Well known eclectics in [[Greek philosophy]] were the [[Stoics]] [[Panaetius]] and [[Posidonius]], and the [[New Academic]]s [[Carneades]] and [[Philo of Larissa]]. Among the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]], [[Cicero]] was thoroughly eclectic, as he united the [[Peripatetic school|Peripatetic]], [[Stoicism|Stoic]], and New Academic doctrines. Other eclectics included [[Marcus Terentius Varro|Varro]] and [[Seneca the Younger|Seneca]].
==Architecture and art== ==Architecture and art==
 +The term eclecticism is used to describe the combination, in a single work, of elements from different historical styles, chiefly in architecture and, by implication, in the fine and decorative arts. The term is sometimes also loosely applied to the general stylistic variety of 19th-century architecture after [[Neo-classicism]] (c. 1820), although the revivals of styles in that period have, since the 1970s, generally been referred to as aspects of [[Historicism (art)|historicism]].
 +
 +Eclecticism plays an important role in critical discussions and evaluations but is somehow distant from the actual forms of the artifacts to which it is applied, and its meaning is thus rather indistinct. The simplest definition of the term—that every work of art represents the combination of a variety of influences—is so basic as to be of little use. In some ways Eclecticism is reminiscent of [[Mannerism]] in that the term was used pejoratively for much of the period of its currency, although, unlike Mannerism, Eclecticism never amounted to a movement or constituted a specific style: it is characterized precisely by the fact that it was not a particular style.
 +
 +==Psychology==
 +Eclecticism is recognized in approaches to [[psychology]] that see many factors influencing behavior and the [[psyche (psychology)|psyche]], and among those who consider all perspectives in identifying, changing, explaining, and determining behavior.
-The term eclecticism is used to describe the combination in a single work of elements from different historical styles, chiefly in architecture and, by implication, in the fine and decorative arts. The term is sometimes also loosely applied to the general stylistic variety of [[19th century]] architecture after [[Neo-classicism]] (c. 1820), although the revivals of styles in that period have, since the 1970s, generally been referred to as aspects of [[historicism]].+== In philology ==
 +In [[textual criticism#Eclecticism|textual criticism]], eclecticism is the practice of examining a wide number of text witnesses and selecting the variant that seems best. The result of the process is a text with readings drawn from many witnesses. In a purely eclectic approach, no single witness is theoretically favored. Instead, the critic forms opinions about individual witnesses, relying on both external and internal evidence.
-Eclecticism plays an important role in critical discussions and evaluations but is somehow distant from the actual forms of the artefacts to which it is applied, and its meaning is thus rather indistinct. The simplest definition of the term—that every work of art represents the combination of a variety of influences—is so basic as to be of little use. In some ways Eclecticism is reminiscent of [[Mannerism]] in that the term was used pejoratively for much of the period of its currency, although, unlike Mannerism, Eclecticism never amounted to a movement or constituted a specific style: it is characterized precisely by the fact that it was not a particular style.+Since the mid-19th century, eclecticism, in which there is no ''a priori'' bias to a single manuscript, has been the dominant method of editing the Greek text of the [[New Testament]] (currently, the [[United Bible Society]], 4th ed. and Nestle-Aland, 27th ed.). Even so, the oldest manuscripts, being of the [[Alexandrian text-type]], are the most favored, and the critical text has an Alexandrian disposition.
-==Music==+==Philosophy==
-Eclecticism is also known as a new popular music stream in the house scene. Dutch DJs like [[Don Diablo]], [[Gregor Salto]] and [[Erick E]] are active in this music. Eclecticism is popular among Experimental Music Artists like [[Alex Ross-Iver]],[[Tom Waits]] and [[Les Claypool]].+In [[philosophy]], Eclectics use elements from multiple philosophies, texts, life experiences and their own philosophical ideas. These ideas include life as connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
-[[Robin Holloway]] cites the composers [[Britten]], [[Shostakovich]], [[Aaron Copland|Copland]], [[Poulenc]] and [[Tippett]] as eclectic composers, 'along the lines first boldly laid by [[Stravinsky]]; they make their idiom from very diverse sources, assimilating and transforming them into themselves'+==Religion==
 +In [[religion]], Eclectics use elements from multiple religions, applied philosophies, personal experiences or other texts and [[dogma]] to form their own beliefs and ideas, noting the similarities between existing systems and practices, and recognizing them as valid. These ideas include life, [[karma]], the [[afterlife]], [[God]] and [[Goddess]], the [[Earth]], and other [[Spirituality|spiritual]] ideas. Some use a mix of [[Abrahamic Religions|Abrahamic]], [[Indian Religions|Dharmic]], [[Neopaganism|Neopagan]], [[Shamanism]], [[East Asian religions|Daoic]] doctrines, [[New Age]], [[religious pluralism]], and [[Syncretism]]. Eclectics are most interested in what really works, personally and communally.
==See also== ==See also==
 +* [[Eclecticism in architecture]]
* [[Eclecticism in art]] * [[Eclecticism in art]]
* [[Eclecticism in music]] * [[Eclecticism in music]]
-* [[Eclecticism (medicine)]]+* [[Eclecticism in textual criticism]]
-* [[Freeform (radio format)]]+* [[Eclectic medicine]]
 +* [[Pastiche]]
 +* [[Perspectivism]]
 +* [[Postmodernism]]
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Eclecticism is a conceptual approach that does not hold rigidly to a single paradigm or set of assumptions, but instead draws upon multiple theories, styles, or ideas to gain complementary insights into a subject, or applies different theories in particular cases.

It can sometimes seem inelegant or lacking in simplicity, and eclectics are sometimes criticized for lack of consistency in their thinking. It is, however, common in many fields of study. For example, most psychologists accept certain aspects of behaviorism, but do not attempt to use the theory to explain all aspects of human behavior.

Contents

Etymology

From French éclectique, from Ancient Greek ἐκλεκτικός (eklektikos, “selective”), from ἐκλέγω (eklegō, “I pick, choose”), from ἐκ (ek, “out, from”) + λέγω (legō, “I choose, count”). Cognate to elect, which is from Latin rather than Ancient Greek, hence prefix e- (from ex) rather than ἐκ (ek).

Origin

Eclecticism was first recorded to have been practiced by a group of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers who attached themselves to no real system, but selected from existing philosophical beliefs those doctrines that seemed most reasonable to them. Out of this collected material they constructed their new system of philosophy. The term comes from the Greek "ἐκλεκτικός" (eklektikos), literally "choosing the best", and that from "ἐκλεκτός" (eklektos), "picked out, select". Well known eclectics in Greek philosophy were the Stoics Panaetius and Posidonius, and the New Academics Carneades and Philo of Larissa. Among the Romans, Cicero was thoroughly eclectic, as he united the Peripatetic, Stoic, and New Academic doctrines. Other eclectics included Varro and Seneca.

Architecture and art

The term eclecticism is used to describe the combination, in a single work, of elements from different historical styles, chiefly in architecture and, by implication, in the fine and decorative arts. The term is sometimes also loosely applied to the general stylistic variety of 19th-century architecture after Neo-classicism (c. 1820), although the revivals of styles in that period have, since the 1970s, generally been referred to as aspects of historicism.

Eclecticism plays an important role in critical discussions and evaluations but is somehow distant from the actual forms of the artifacts to which it is applied, and its meaning is thus rather indistinct. The simplest definition of the term—that every work of art represents the combination of a variety of influences—is so basic as to be of little use. In some ways Eclecticism is reminiscent of Mannerism in that the term was used pejoratively for much of the period of its currency, although, unlike Mannerism, Eclecticism never amounted to a movement or constituted a specific style: it is characterized precisely by the fact that it was not a particular style.

Psychology

Eclecticism is recognized in approaches to psychology that see many factors influencing behavior and the psyche, and among those who consider all perspectives in identifying, changing, explaining, and determining behavior.

In philology

In textual criticism, eclecticism is the practice of examining a wide number of text witnesses and selecting the variant that seems best. The result of the process is a text with readings drawn from many witnesses. In a purely eclectic approach, no single witness is theoretically favored. Instead, the critic forms opinions about individual witnesses, relying on both external and internal evidence.

Since the mid-19th century, eclecticism, in which there is no a priori bias to a single manuscript, has been the dominant method of editing the Greek text of the New Testament (currently, the United Bible Society, 4th ed. and Nestle-Aland, 27th ed.). Even so, the oldest manuscripts, being of the Alexandrian text-type, are the most favored, and the critical text has an Alexandrian disposition.

Philosophy

In philosophy, Eclectics use elements from multiple philosophies, texts, life experiences and their own philosophical ideas. These ideas include life as connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.

Religion

In religion, Eclectics use elements from multiple religions, applied philosophies, personal experiences or other texts and dogma to form their own beliefs and ideas, noting the similarities between existing systems and practices, and recognizing them as valid. These ideas include life, karma, the afterlife, God and Goddess, the Earth, and other spiritual ideas. Some use a mix of Abrahamic, Dharmic, Neopagan, Shamanism, Daoic doctrines, New Age, religious pluralism, and Syncretism. Eclectics are most interested in what really works, personally and communally.

See also




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