dialectic (ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪk
)
Definitions
noun
- disputation or debate, esp intended to resolve differences between two views rather than to establish one of them as true
- philosophy
- the conversational Socratic method of argument
- (in Plato) the highest study, that of the Forms
- (in the writings of Kant) the exposure of the contradictions implicit in applying empirical concepts beyond the limits of experience
- philosophy the process of reconciliation of contradiction either of beliefs or in historical processes See also Hegelian dialectic
, dialectical materialism
adjective
- 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