Encyclopaedism

/ˌɛnsaɪkləˈpiːdɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The practice, philosophy, or style of creating encyclopedias; an approach to knowledge that seeks comprehensive, organized documentation of subjects.

Etymology

From encyclopaedia + -ism suffix (indicating a doctrine or practice). Emerged in the 18th century alongside the Enlightenment movement's valorization of systematic knowledge.

Kelly Says

Encyclopaedism was genuinely revolutionary—it meant common people could access knowledge previously locked in monastery libraries and aristocratic collections.

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