1. the art or practice of logical discussion and reasoning, especially through the exchange of opposing ideas to reach the truth
Usage: philosophy
2. a method of philosophical argument that involves contradictory processes or opposing forces
Usage: philosophy; formal

Examples

• The philosophy professor taught us about Socratic dialectics.
• Hegel’s dialectics involves the interaction of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis.
• The debate team practiced dialectics to improve their reasoning skills.
• Marx adapted Hegelian dialectics to analyze social and economic conflicts.
• Ancient Greek philosophers used dialectics to explore complex questions.
• The study of dialectics helps students think more critically about opposing viewpoints.