Crossword clues for eclecticism
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Eclecticism \Ec*lec"ti*cism\, n. [Cf. F. ['e]clecticisme. Cf. Electicism.] Theory or practice of an eclectic.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
Wiktionary
n. 1 The quality of being eclectic 2 (context philosophy English) An approach to thought that draws upon multiple theories to gain complementary insights into phenomena 3 (context arts English) Any form of art that borrows from multiple other styles
WordNet
n. making decisions on the basis of what seems best instead of following some single doctrine or style [syn: eclectic method]
Wikipedia
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. However, this is often without conventions or rules dictating how or which theories were combined.
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.
Usage examples of "eclecticism".
Homoeopathy has come before our public at a period when the growing spirit of eclecticism has prepared many ingenious and honest minds to listen to all new doctrines with a candor liable to degenerate into weakness.
Sufi eclecticism makes it dangerous to be dogmatic about matters of this kind.
Yet their repudiation of all art was better than the Judas-kiss which Romanism bestows on it, in the meagre eclecticism of the ancient religious schools, and of your modern Overbecks and Pugins.
Stilton, pondering as I savour it the baroque eclecticism of his mythology.
Through their example of boldness, determination, and offbeat eclecticism, other publishers and editors and writers have been moved to galvanize the formerly moribund zine scene.
Homoeopathy has come before our public at a period when the growing spirit of eclecticism has prepared many ingenious and honest minds to listen to all new doctrines with a candor liable to degenerate into weakness.
In those days she had admired his pluralistic openness of mind, and struggled, in her kitchen, towards a parallel eclecticism, learning to cook the dosas and uttapams of South India as well as the soft meatballs of Kashmir.