— dialectically , adv.
/duy'euh lek"tik/ , adj. Also, dialectical .
1. of, pertaining to, or of the nature of logical argumentation.
2. dialectal.
n.
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 .
a. logic or any of its branches.
b. any formal system of reasoning or thought.
6. See Hegelian dialectic .
7. dialectics , ( often used with a sing. v. ) 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. Cf. transcendental dialectic .
9. the juxtaposition or interaction of conflicting ideas, forces, etc.
[ 1350-1400; ME ( dialectica dialektiké ( téchne ) argumentative (art), fem. of dialektikós. See DIALECT, -IC ]