dialectic

[dahy-uh-lek-tik] /ˌdaɪ əˈlɛk tɪk/
adjective, Also, dialectical
1.
of, pertaining to, or of the nature of logical argumentation.
2.
dialectal.
noun
3.
the art or practice of logical discussion as employed in investigating the truth of a theory or opinion.
4.
logical argumentation.
5.
Often, dialectics.
  1. logic or any of its branches.
  2. any formal system of reasoning or thought.
6.
Hegelian dialectic.
7.
dialectics, (often used with a singular verb) the arguments or bases of dialectical materialism, including the elevation of matter over mind and a constantly changing reality with a material basis.
8.
(in Kantian epistemology) a fallacious metaphysical system arising from the attribution of objective reality to the perceptions by the mind of external objects.
Compare transcendental dialectic.
9.
the juxtaposition or interaction of conflicting ideas, forces, etc.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English (< Anglo-French) < Latin dialectica < Greek dialektikḗ (téchnē) argumentative (art), feminine of dialektikós. See dialect, -ic
Related forms
dialectically, adverb
nondialectic, adjective, noun
Can be confused
dialectal, dialectic, dialectical (see usage note at dialectal)
Examples from the web for dialectic
  • He reads Hegel for pleasure and wrestles with his own dialectic.
  • The trends are in dialectic, not opposition.
  • Believe it or not, human relationships are a complex dialectic involving exchange of more than just mutual physical attraction.
  • And the danger of your dialectic thinking is that is over simplistic and fails to understand reality.
  • And here, too, technological advance produced its own dialectic.
  • Then, the true thinking process is a teamwork, and it should be conducted in a dialectic fashion.
  • Dictatorship of the proletariat is a deceptive phrase of the Marxian dialectic.
  • Like all good serious fiction, this novel has a true dialectic.
  • Open dialogue are the hallmarks of democratic and dialectic communities.
  • We participate in dialectic and what they tell me is love, forgiveness, enlightenment and the search for truth.
British Dictionary definitions for dialectic

dialectic

/ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪk/
noun
1.
disputation or debate, esp intended to resolve differences between two views rather than to establish one of them as true
2.
(philosophy)
  1. the conversational Socratic method of argument
  2. (in Plato) the highest study, that of the Forms
3.
(in the writings of Kant) the exposure of the contradictions implicit in applying empirical concepts beyond the limits of experience
4.
(philosophy) the process of reconciliation of contradiction either of beliefs or in historical processes See also Hegelian dialectic, dialectical materialism
adjective
5.
of or relating to logical disputation
Derived Forms
dialectician, noun
Word Origin
C17: from Latin dialectica, from Greek dialektikē (tekhnē) (the art) of argument; see dialect
Word Origin and History for dialectic
n.

1580s, earlier dialatik (late 14c.), from Old French dialectique (12c.), from Latin dialectica, from Greek dialektike (techne) "(art of) philosophical discussion or discourse," fem. of dialektikos "of conversation, discourse," from dialektos "discourse, conversation" (see dialect). Originally synonymous with logic; in modern philosophy refined by Kant, then by Hegel, who made it mean "process of resolving or merging contradictions in character." Related: Dialectics.

Encyclopedia Article for dialectic

originally a form of logical argumentation but now a philosophical concept of evolution applied to diverse fields including thought, nature, and history.

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