dialectic
Meaning
A method of examining and discussing opposing ideas in order to find the truth.
Relating to the logical discussion of ideas and opinions.
Structure
Usage
The philosopher used the Socratic dialectic to challenge his students' assumptions.
Hegel's system is built upon a complex model of historical dialectic.
Their debate followed a dialectical process, with each thesis met by a counter-argument.
Etymology
The word 'dialectic' originates from the Greek dialektikē (tekhnē), meaning "the art of debate or discourse." This was formed from dialegesthai, "to converse or debate," which itself combines dia- ("through, across") and legein ("to speak"). The core logic is of reasoning carried out through the exchange of spoken arguments. In ancient philosophy, particularly with Socrates and Plato, it described the process of rigorously examining ideas through question and answer to reach a deeper truth. This literal sense of conversational reasoning evolved into the modern abstract meaning, central to Hegelian and Marxist philosophy, denoting a method of resolving contradictions between opposing forces or ideas to arrive at a higher synthesis.
Analysis
dia: Greek origin, meaning "through, across, or apart." It functions as a prefix indicating thoroughness or separation. lect: From Greek legein, meaning "to speak, gather, or choose." In this word, it functions as a root relating to speech or discourse. ic: A suffix of Greek and Latin origin used to form adjectives meaning "of, pertaining to, or characteristic of."