eclectics

Eclectics, or eclecticism, is a term applied to approaches that draw selectively from various sources rather than following a single system or tradition. The word derives from Greek eklektikos, meaning "selective" or "choosing the best." In philosophy, architecture, and other cultural fields, eclecticism describes blending elements from different styles or doctrines into a composite whole, often guided by practical aims or aesthetic judgments.

In philosophy, eclecticism refers to methods that combine ideas from different schools to form a coherent system tailored to the problem at hand. Historically, it played a role in late antiquity and the early modern period, when thinkers sought to reconcile Platonic, Aristotelian, Stoic, and other strands. In modern times, eclectic approaches are common in applied ethics, epistemology, and comparative philosophy.

In architecture and the arts, eclecticism became a recognized style in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Architects mixed elements from Gothic, Classical, Renaissance, and Baroque sources to create buildings that signaled cosmopolitan taste or national identity. In interior design, eclectic spaces combine varied furnishings and motifs to create a unified but diverse aesthetic.

In religion and spirituality, eclecticism describes practices or communities that draw on multiple faiths or traditions. Critics worry about doctrinal inconsistency, while proponents argue that eclectic spirituality allows adaptation to local cultures and personal experience.

The term can carry neutral or evaluative connotations depending on context. As a descriptive label, it signals openness to multiple sources; as a normative judgment, it may imply a lack of principle. Notable eclectics include scholars and designers who prioritize synthesis over allegiance to a single canon.