di·a·lec·tic (d   -l k t k)n. 1. The art or practice of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments. 2. a. The process especially associated with Hegel of arriving at the truth by stating a thesis, developing a contradictory antithesis, and combining and resolving them into a coherent synthesis. b. Hegel's critical method for the investigation of this process. 3. a. The Marxian process of change through the conflict of opposing forces, whereby a given contradiction is characterized by a primary and a secondary aspect, the secondary succumbing to the primary, which is then transformed into an aspect of a new contradiction. Often used in the plural with a singular or plural verb. b. The Marxian critique of this process. 4. dialectics (used with a sing. verb) A method of argument or exposition that systematically weighs contradictory facts or ideas with a view to the resolution of their real or apparent contradictions. 5. The contradiction between two conflicting forces viewed as the determining factor in their continuing interaction. [Middle English dialetik, from Old French dialetique, from Latin dialectica, logic, from Greek dialektik  (tekhn), (art) of debate, feminine of dialektikos, from dialektos, speech, conversation; see dialect.]di a·lecti·cal, dia·lectic adj.di a·lecti·cal·ly adv. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Adv. | 1. | dialectically - in a dialectic manner; "his religiousness is dialectically related to his sinfulness" |
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