English Dictionary

Definition of “dialectics

dialectics (ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪksPronunciation for dialectics

Definitions

noun (functioning as plural or (sometimes) singular)

  1. the study of reasoning or of argumentative methodology
  2. a particular methodology or system; a logic
  3. the application of the Hegelian dialectic or the rationale of dialectical materialism

dialectic (ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪkPronunciation for dialectic

Definitions

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

  1. of or relating to logical disputation

Alternative Forms

ˌdialecˈtician noun

Word Origin

C17: from Latin dialectica,  from Greek dialektikē  (tekhnē) (the art) of argument; see dialect

Usage examples

  • The problem with a post-political universe is that we have these two sides which are engaged in kind of mortal dialectics.
    Spiked (2002)
  • His dialectics inspired Marx and Lenin and thus contributed to the founding of communism.
    SA Star (2004)
  • 44-6).3 This is not the case for the `negative dialectics " of Theodore Adorno.
    Boyne, Roy, Foucault and Derrida - The Other Side Of Reason (1990)

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