As an antidote against excessive specialization and fragmentation, this article aims to revitalize synthetic philosophy. This conception of philosophy comprises, at least, three basic components. First, it investigates connections between philosophical subjects and subfields that are usually kept apart. Second, synthetic philosophy is empirically informed, that is, it discusses and uses relevant knowledge and insights from supplementary areas, scientific or otherwise. Third, it includes systematic reflection on its normative relevance for topical socio-political and moral issues. Its main objective is not to ban specialization, but to redress a balance between specialized and synthetic philosophy. In this article, I draw on the views of the 1930s synthetic movement in The Netherlands, a movement that struggled with comparable concerns as we do today. How, and to which extent, these views can be relevant for our present and future situation is explained in detail. In particular, the use of the notions of wholeness, totality and unity is critically analysed and assessed. Furthermore, although synthetic philosophy is basically eclectic, it is shown to be substantially different from both analytic and empirical philosophy. Finally, relevant similarities and dissimilarities with some other recent proponents of synthetic philosophy are briefly discussed. As is usual and unavoidable in a metaphilosophical article, the presented arguments are concise. But they are illustrated by a range of pointed examples and supported by a substantial body of referenced work. ( direct link )