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. |
dialectic [ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪk]
n
1. (Philosophy) disputation or debate, esp intended to resolve differences between two views rather than to establish one of them as true
2. (Philosophy) Philosophy
a. the conversational Socratic method of argument
b. (in Plato) the highest study, that of the Forms
3. (Philosophy) (in the writings of Kant) the exposure of the contradictions implicit in applying empirical concepts beyond the limits of experience
4. (Philosophy) Philosophy the process of reconciliation of contradiction either of beliefs or in historical processes See also Hegelian dialectic, dialectical materialism
adj
(Philosophy / Logic) of or relating to logical disputation
[from Latin dialectica, from Greek dialektikē (tekhnē) (the art) of argument; see dialect]
dialectician n
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | dialectic - any formal system of reasoning that arrives at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments philosophy - the rational investigation of questions about existence and knowledge and ethics |
| 2. | dialectic - a contradiction of ideas that serves as the determining factor in their interaction; "this situation created the inner dialectic of American history" contradiction - opposition between two conflicting forces or ideas | |
| Adj. | 1. | dialectic - of or relating to or employing dialectic; "the dialectical method" |
dialectic
noun debate, reasoning, discussion, logic, contention, polemics, disputation, argumentation, ratiocination He spent much time learning rhetoric and dialectic.
Translations
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