dialectic

 
Pronunciation: /ˌdʌɪəˈlɛktɪk/
Philosophy

noun

[mass noun] (also dialectics) [usually treated as singular]
  • 1the art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions.
  • 2enquiry into metaphysical contradictions and their solutions.
  • the existence or action of opposing social forces, concepts, etc..
  • The ancient Greeks used the term dialectic to refer to various methods of reasoning and discussion in order to discover the truth. More recently, Kant applied the term to the criticism of the contradictions which arise from supposing knowledge of objects beyond the limits of experience, e.g. the soul. Hegel applied the term to the process of thought by which apparent contradictions (which he termed thesis and antithesis) are seen to be part of a higher truth (synthesis)

adjective

  • relating to dialectic or dialectics; dialectical.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French dialectique or Latin dialectica, from Greek dialektikē (tekhnē) '(art) of debate', from dialegesthai 'converse with' (see dialogue)