Definition

1. Noun:

   • A contradiction of ideas that serves as the determining factor in their interaction: A process or dynamic where opposing forces or ideas interact, leading to development or change.
   • Any formal system of reasoning that arrives at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments: A method of philosophical discussion or logical debate involving critical dialogue to resolve contradictions and establish truth.

2. Adjective:

   • Of or relating to or employing dialectic: Pertaining to the method or process of dialectical reasoning or contradiction.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The historical dialectic between freedom and authority shaped the nation's laws.
  • Socratic dialogue is a classic form of dialectic.
• Adjective:
  • He presented a dialectic analysis of the social conflict.
  • The philosopher's dialectic method involves thesis, antithesis, and synthesis.

Advanced Usage

• Hegelian/Marxist dialectic: Refers specifically to the philosophical systems of Hegel or Marx, where historical and social progress is driven by the resolution of contradictions.
  • Marxist theory is built upon a materialist dialectic.
• Dialectical materialism: The Marxist theoretical concept that material conditions and their contradictions drive historical change.
  • The book explains the principles of dialectical materialism.

Variants and Related Words

• Dialectical (adjective): The more common adjectival form, meaning relating to dialectic.
  • She used a dialectical approach to solve the problem.
• Dialectician (noun): A person skilled in dialectic or logical debate.
  • He was known as a brilliant dialectician.

Synonyms

• Reasoning (noun): The process of thinking about something in a logical way.
• Debate (noun): A formal discussion on a particular topic.
• Dialogic (adjective): Relating to or using dialogue.

Related Phrases

• Dialectical process: The ongoing cycle of contradiction and resolution.
  • Social change is often a slow dialectical process.
• Engage in dialectic: To participate in a logical, probing discussion.
  • The scholars agreed to engage in dialectic on the topic.

Related Idioms

• The dialectic of history: The idea that history progresses through conflicting forces.
  • His thesis explores the dialectic of history in the 20th century.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or employing dialectic
   • the dialectical method

Noun

1. a contradiction of ideas that serves as the determining factor in their interaction
   • this situation created the inner dialectic of American history
2. any formal system of reasoning that arrives at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments