People refer to the dialectic or dialectics of a situation when they are referring to the way in which two very different forces or factors work together, and the way in which their differences are resolved.
[technical, formal]
...the intricate dialectic of these two contrasting concepts.
...the dialectics of class struggle and of socio-economic change.
2. uncountable noun
In philosophy, dialectics is a method of reasoning and reaching conclusions by considering theories and ideas together with ones that contradict them.
[technical]
More Synonyms of dialectic
dialectic in British English
(ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪk)
noun
1.
disputation or debate, esp intended to resolve differences between two views rather than to establish one of them as true
2. philosophy
a.
the conversational Socratic method of argument
b.
(in Plato) the highest study, that of the Forms
3.
(in the writings of Kant) the exposure of the contradictions implicit in applying empirical concepts beyond the limits of experience
4. philosophy
the process of reconciliation of contradiction either of beliefs or in historical processes
See also Hegelian dialectic, dialectical materialism
adjective
5.
of or relating to logical disputation
Derived forms
dialectician (ˌdialecˈtician)
noun
Word origin
C17: from Latin dialectica, from Greek dialektikē (tekhnē) (the art) of argument; see dialect
dialectic in American English
(ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪk)
noun
1. [often pl.]
the art or practice of examining opinions or ideas logically, often by the method of question and answer, so as to determine their validity
2.
logical argumentation
3. [often pl.]
a.
the method of logic used by Hegel and adapted by Marx to observable social and economic processes: it is based on the principle that an idea or event (thesis) generates its opposite (antithesis), leading to a reconciliation of opposites (synthesis)
b.
the general application of this principle in analysis, criticism, exposition, etc.
adjective
4.
dialectical
Word origin
ME dialetik < OFr dialetique < L dialectica (ars) < Gr dialektikē (technē), the dialectic (art) < dialektikos: see dialect
Examples of 'dialectic' in a sentence
dialectic
He wasn't an ideologue, he'd never been strong on dialectic, and anyway it wasn't the purpose of the meeting.
Robert Wilson THE COMPANY OF STRANGERS (2002)
Dogma, dialectic, collective and the like are hardly sounds to sing with or symbols you can use to touch the heart and stir the soul.
Hocke, Martin THE ANCIENT AND SOLITARY REIGN (2002)
(noun)
Definition
the art of logical argument
He spent much time learning rhetoric and dialectic.
Synonyms
debate
There has been a lot of debate about this point.
reasoning
the reasoning behind the decision
discussion
There was a discussion about the wording of the report.
logic
Students learn philosophy and logic.
contention
polemics
She does not want to involve herself in political polemics.
disputation
after much legal disputation
argumentation
ratiocination
(adjective)
Synonyms
logical
a logical argument
rational
a rational decision
analytic
I have an analytical approach to every survey.
argumentative
dialectical
polemical
his biting polemical novel
He's best when he's cool and direct, rather than abusive and polemical.
rationalistic
Additional synonyms
in the sense of analytic
I have an analytical approach to every survey.
Synonyms
rational,
questioning,
testing,
detailed,
searching,
organized,
exact,
precise,
logical,
systematic,
inquiring,
diagnostic,
investigative,
dissecting,
explanatory,
discrete,
inquisitive,
interpretive,
studious,
interpretative,
expository
in the sense of discussion
There was a discussion about the wording of the report.