ˌdīəˈlektik, -tēk noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by Latin dialectica ) of Middle English dialetik, from Middle French dialetique, from Latin dialectica, from Greek dialektikē, from feminine of dialektikos, adjective
1. : the theory and practice of weighing and reconciling juxtaposed or contradictory arguments for the purpose of arriving at truth especially through discussion and debate:
a. pre-Socratic philosophy
(1) : argument by critical examination of logical consequences (as the contradictory consequences of antinomies)
(2) : sophistic reasoning : eristic
b. Socratic philosophy : discussion and reasoning by dialogue as a method of intellectual investigation
c. Platonism
(1) : logical analysis or division of things into genera and species
(2) : the discipline that investigates the eternal ideas especially in their relation to those of the good, the true, and the beautiful
d. Aristotelianism : a method of arguing with probability on any given problem as an art intermediate between rhetoric and strict demonstration
e. Stoicism : formal logic as contrasted with rhetoric and grammar
2.
a. Kantianism : the logic of appearances and of illusions, dealing with paralogisms, antinomies, and transcendental ideas as these arise through logical fallacies, perceptual errors, or the endeavor to use the principles of the understanding applicable only within experience for determination of such transcendental objects as the soul, the world, and God
b. Hegelianism : a logical development progressing from less to more comprehensive levels that on its subjective side is the passage of thought from a thesis through an antithesis to a synthesis that in turn becomes a thesis for further progressions ultimately culminating in the absolute idea and on its objective side is an analogous development in the process of history and the cosmos
3. Marxism
a. : the process of self-development or unfolding (as of an action, event, idea, ideology, movement, or institution) through the stages of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis in accordance with the laws of dialectical materialism — usually used in plural but sing. or plural in constr.
b. : a method that regards change in nature and history as taking place in this way — usually used in plural but sing. or plural in constr.
4. : any systematic reasoning, exposition, or argument especially in literature that juxtaposes opposed or contradictory ideas and usually seeks to resolve their conflict
the brilliant dialectics and irony of this comedy
: play of ideas : cunning or hairsplitting disputation
subtlety was foreign and dialectics distasteful to his character — S.H.Adams
: argumentative skill
his speech was a remarkable display of dialectics
— usually used in plural but often sing. in constr.
5. : the dialectical tension or opposition between two interacting forces or elements
the dialectic between Nature and Spirit — Joseph Frank