dialectic Philosophy [ ˌdʌɪə'lɛktɪk ]
■ noun (also dialectics ) [usu. treated as sing. ]
1》 the art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions.
2》 enquiry into metaphysical contradictions and their solutions.
3》 the existence or action of opposing social forces, concepts, etc.
■ adjective relating to dialectic or dialectics; dialectical.
Origin
ME: from OFr. dialectique or L. dialectica , from Gk dialektikē (tekhnē) '(art) of debate', from dialegesthai (see dialogue ).