dialectic
dy-uh-LEK-tik
/ˌdaɪ.əˈlɛk.tɪk/
A discourse or method of reasoning where truth is reached through the exchange of opposing ideas.
Dialectic relies on exchange, tension, and synthesis between opposing views rather than one-sided assertion.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'dialektike (techne)', meaning the art of debate, combining 'dia-' (across) and 'legein' (to speak). It captures how truth emerges by speaking across a divide between opposing perspectives.
Word relationships
- discourse: Discourse is any written or spoken communication, whereas dialectic specifically pits opposing views against each other to uncover deeper understanding.
- dogmatism: Dogmatism asserts truth unilaterally, whereas dialectic discovers truth through exchange.
Commonly confused with
- didactic: 'Didactic' means designed to teach or instruct morally; 'dialectic' refers to truth-seeking through opposing arguments.
Word family
- dialectical (adjective): Relating to logical discussion or dialectic.
- dialectician (noun): A person skilled in dialectic.
Collocations
- Socratic dialectic
- Hegelian dialectic
- dialectic process
- historical dialectic
Idioms & expressions
- thesis-antithesis-synthesis
Example sentences
- "Socrates used a question-and-answer dialectic to reveal contradictions in his citizens' ethical beliefs." Philosophical History
- "The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles, a continuous historical dialectic." Social Theory
Memory hook
DIA-lectic is a DIA-logue where opposing ideas DIAL up the truth. Truth through opposing dialogue.
When not to use
Do not use 'dialectic' as a fancy word for a regular quarrel or argument; it implies structured inquiry aimed at arriving at a higher synthesis or truth.
Fun facts
- In Hegel's dialectic, an idea (thesis) meets its opposite (antithesis), resulting in a higher unified understanding (synthesis).
Related words
Explore more words
dialogue, discourse, parley, deliberative, contention, contradict
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