dialectic
n. C / Un. a method of learning and thinking that involves having a discussion with someone else. You use this when you want to find the truth by looking at both sides of an argument.
n. a method of logical inquiry and discovery that involves a discussion between two or more people holding different points of view. Often used to describe the process of resolving contradictions through rational debate.
The teacher used a dialectic to help the students understand the issue.
In philosophy, the dialectic often involves presenting a thesis, an opposing antithesis, and then a synthesis that resolves the conflict.
The author employs a rigorous dialectic to explore the tension between individual freedom and collective security, ultimately arguing for a balanced approach that respects both.
From Old French dialectique, from Late Latin dialectica, from Ancient Greek διαλεκτική (dialektikḗ, “the art of argument through interactive questioning and answering”), from διαλεκτικός (dialektikós, “relating to dialogue”), from διαλέγομαι (dialégomai, “to participate in a dialogue”), from διά (diá, “through, across”) + λέγειν (légein, “to speak”).
From Latin dialecticus, from Ancient Greek δῐᾰλεκτῐκός (dĭălektĭkós).
From dialect + -ic.
- Noundialect
- Noundialectic