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.
 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.
 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
"" (eklektikos), literally "choosing the best" and that
from "" (eklektos), "picked out, select".

Well known eclectics in Greek philosophy were the Stoics

Panaetius and Posidonius, and Philo of Larissa.

Among the Romans, Cicero was thoroughly eclectic, as he united

the Peripattetic, Stoic, and New Academic doctrines. Further
eclectics were Varro and Seneca.
 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.
Madrid, The term is sometimes also loosely
Spain
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.
Junction of Defensa and Independencia
Avenue San Telmo Buenos Aires Argentina

NEW YORK PALACE, HUNGARY