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dialectics

   Also found in: Legal, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.02 sec.
di·a·lec·tic  (d-lktk)
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.]

dia·lecti·cal, dia·lectic adj.
dia·lecti·cal·ly adv.

dialectics [ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪks]
n (functioning as plural or (sometimes) singular)
1. (Philosophy / Logic) the study of reasoning or of argumentative methodology
2. (Philosophy) a particular methodology or system; a logic
3. (Philosophy) the application of the Hegelian dialectic or the rationale of dialectical materialism
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.dialectics - a rationale for dialectical materialism based on change through the conflict of opposing forces
rationale, principle - (law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature); "the rationale for capital punishment"; "the principles of internal-combustion engines"
Translations
dialectics [ˌdaɪəˈlektɪks] Ndialéctica f


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For he is exhibited as ignorant of the very elements of dialectics, in which the Sophists have failed to instruct their disciple.
 
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