DIALECTIC


Meaning of DIALECTIC in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˌdī-ə-ˈlek-tik ]

noun

Etymology: Middle English dialetik, from Anglo-French dialetiqe, from Latin dialectica, from Greek dialektikē, from feminine of dialektikos of conversation, from dialektos

Date: 14th century

1. : logic 1a(1)

2.

a. : discussion and reasoning by dialogue as a method of intellectual investigation ; specifically : the Socratic techniques of exposing false beliefs and eliciting truth

b. : the Platonic investigation of the eternal ideas

3. : the logic of fallacy

4.

a. : the Hegelian process of change in which a concept or its realization passes over into and is preserved and fulfilled by its opposite ; also : the critical investigation of this process

b.

(1) usually plural but singular or plural in construction : development through the stages of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis in accordance with the laws of dialectical materialism

(2) : the investigation of this process

(3) : the theoretical application of this process especially in the social sciences

5. usually plural but singular or plural in construction

a. : any systematic reasoning, exposition, or argument that juxtaposes opposed or contradictory ideas and usually seeks to resolve their conflict

b. : an intellectual exchange of ideas

6. : the dialectical tension or opposition between two interacting forces or elements

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.