Eclecticism
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
| Revision as of 17:43, 22 May 2007 WikiSysop (Talk | contribs) ← Previous diff |
Revision as of 12:53, 16 October 2013 Jahsonic (Talk | contribs) Next diff → |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| {{Template}} | {{Template}} | ||
| - | [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/{{PAGENAMEE}}] [May 2007] | + | :''[[hybrid]], [[mix]]'' |
| - | =Eclecticism= | + | '''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. |
| - | ==What is it?== | + | |
| - | '''Eclecticism''' is a kind of mixed style in the [[fine arts]]: "the [[borrowing]] of a variety of [[Art movement|style]]s from different sources and combining them" (Hume 2003, p.5). Significantly, Eclecticism hardly ever constituted a specific style in [[art]]: it is characterized by the fact that it was not a particular style. In general, the term describes the combination in a single work of a variety of influences — mainly of elements from different historical styles in [[architecture]], [[painting]], and the [[graphic arts|graphic]] and [[decorative arts]]. In [[music]] the term used may be either eclecticism, [[Crossover (music)|Crossover music]], or [[hip hop|hip-hop]]. | + | |
| - | ==In the visual arts== | + | |
| - | The term '''eclectic''' was first used by [[Johann Joachim Winckelmann]] to characterize the art of the [[Carracci]], who incorporated in their paintings elements from the [[Renaissance]] and [[Art in ancient Greece#Classical|classic]]al traditions. Indeed, [[Agostino Carracci|Agostino]], [[Annibale Carracci|Annibale]] and [[Lodovico Carracci]] had tried to combine in their art [[Michelangelo]]'s line, [[Titian]]'s [[color]], [[Antonio da Correggio|Correggio]]'s [[chiaroscuro]], and [[Raffaello Santi|Raphael]]'s [[symmetry]] and [[wiktionary:grace|grace]]. | + | |
| - | In the [[18th century]], [[Sir Joshua Reynolds]], head of the [[Royal Academy of Arts]] in [[London]], was one of the most influential advocates of eclecticism. In the sixth of his famous academical ''Discourses'' (1774), he wrote that the painter may use the work of the ancients as a "magazine of common property, always open to the public, whence every man has a right to take what materials he pleases." In [[19th century|19th-century]] [[England]], [[John Ruskin]] also pleaded for eclecticism. | + | 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. |
| - | ==Hip hop and western architecture== | + | ==Etymology== |
| - | Eclecticism was an important concept in Western architecture during the mid and late 19th century, and it reappeared in a new guise in the latter part of the [[20th century]]. Much of [[postmodern]] art is characterized by eclecticism: in [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]]. The fusion of samples from different genres has become very popular. Particularly in [[turntablism]], the branch of "dj-ing" devoted to one's use of such equipment as though it were any other. A diverse record collection, along with general know-how or "finesse" with the equipment given is seen as an object of status. In fact, the postmodernity of hip hop grows exceedingly, all the time. One such example of this might be the fact that [[hip hop|hip-hop]] [[DJ]] who is known primarily by the alias [[Cut Chemist]] has an album called [[The Audience's Listening]], which was released in [[2006]]. Samples on this album range from [[Bossa Nova|Astrud and Gilberto Gil]] to [[Outsider_music|Bruce Haack]], and even [[conscious_hip_hop|Eric B. & Rakim]]. | + | 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). | ||
| - | [[Picasso]] has often been cited as an eclectic artist because of his [[Pablo Picasso/African|African-influenced Period]]. | + | ==Origin== |
| + | 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== | ||
| + | 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. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == 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. | ||
| + | |||
| + | 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 [[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== | ||
| + | * [[Eclecticism in architecture]] | ||
| + | * [[Eclecticism in art]] | ||
| + | * [[Eclecticism in music]] | ||
| + | * [[Eclecticism in textual criticism]] | ||
| + | * [[Eclectic medicine]] | ||
| + | * [[Pastiche]] | ||
| + | * [[Perspectivism]] | ||
| + | * [[Postmodernism]] | ||
| + | {{GFDL}} | ||
Revision as of 12:53, 16 October 2013
|
Related e |
|
Featured: |
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
- Eclecticism in architecture
- Eclecticism in art
- Eclecticism in music
- Eclecticism in textual criticism
- Eclectic medicine
- Pastiche
- Perspectivism
- Postmodernism
