dialectic

Dialectic is defined as the art of determining the truth by the logical exchange of ideas and opinions.

(noun)

A philosophical, logical discussion using questions and answers on ethics or social problems is an example of dialectic.

See dialectic in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the art or practice of examining opinions or ideas logically, often by the method of question and answer, so as to determine their validity
logical argumentation
1. the method of logic used by Hegel and adapted by Marx to observable social and economic processes: it is based on the principle that an idea or event (thesis) generates its opposite (antithesis), leading to a reconciliation of opposites (synthesis)
2. the general application of this principle in analysis, criticism, exposition, etc.

Origin: ME dialetik < OFr dialetique < L dialectica (ars) < Gr dialektikē (technē), the dialectic (art) < dialektikos: see dialect

adjective

dialectical

See dialectic in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The art or practice of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments.
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.
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.
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.
The contradiction between two conflicting forces viewed as the determining factor in their continuing interaction.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English dialetik

Origin: , from Old French dialetique

Origin: , from Latin dialectica, logic

Origin: , from Greek dialektikē (tekhnē), (art) of debate

Origin: , feminine of dialektikos

Origin: , from dialektos, speech, conversation; see dialect

Related Forms: