/
ˌdʌɪəˈlɛktɪk/
n.
(also
dialectics)
[
usu. treated as sing.]
- the art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions.
- enquiry into metaphysical contradictions and their solutions.
- the existence or action of opposing social forces, concepts, etc.
adj.
relating to dialectic or dialectics; dialectical.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. dialectique or L. dialectica, from Gk dialektikē (tekhnē) ‘(art) of debate’, from dialegesthai (see dialogue).