Editing Eclecticism (section)

{{Short description|Conceptual approach that draws upon multiple theories, styles, or ideas}}
[[Image:Palais Garnier's grand salon, 12 February 2008.jpg|thumb|The grand foyer of the [[Palais Garnier]], by [[Charles Garnier (architect)|Charles Garnier]], 1860–1875. Stylistically, it aimed for a [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] opulence through lavishly decorated monumental structures that evoked [[Louis XIV]]'s [[Versailles]]. However, it was not just a revival of the Baroque, being more of a synthesis of Classicist styles, like [[Renaissance architecture|Renaissance]], Baroque, [[Rococo]], [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassicism]] etc. Thus, it is an example of [[eclecticism in architecture]].]]

[[Image:42 Strada Grigore Alexandrescu, Bucharest (01).jpg|thumb|Early [[Romanian Revival architecture|Romanian Revival]] house on Strada Grigore Alexandrescu in [[Bucharest]], [[Romania]], unknown architect, {{circa|1900}}, that mixes [[Beaux-Arts architecture|Beaux-Arts]] and Romanian Revival elements and proportions]]
'''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.

Eclecticism in [[ethics]], [[philosophy]], [[politics]], and [[religion]] is often compared to [[syncretism]], but the two concepts differ in their approach to combining elements from different traditions. While syncretism in [[religion]] involves the merging or [[religious assimilation|assimilation]] of several distinct traditions into a new, unified system, eclecticism adopts elements from various systems without necessarily integrating them into a single cohesive framework. This distinction allows for a broader, more inclusive approach in eclecticism, where the selection is based on individual merit or preference rather than an attempt to create a new unified tradition.