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dialectical

English → EnglishformaltechnicalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "dialectical": The word "dialectical" describes a process of reasoning or development that involves the interaction

What does "dialectical" mean?

The word "dialectical" describes a process of reasoning or development that involves the interaction of opposing forces. Imagine two people debating two different ideas, not to defeat each other, but to merge their insights into a more complete, higher truth. It is the logical engine behind the idea that progress happens through conflict and resolution. In usage, this term is most common in philosophy, political theory, and academic discourse. It is often paired with terms like "materialism," "method," or "process." While it sounds highly intellectual, it effectively describes any situation where a complex outcome is reached by balancing or reconciling two contradictory viewpoints.

"dialectical" in conversation

Philosophy study group

I'm struggling with the dialectical nature of Hegel's argument.

I'm struggling with the dialectical nature of Hegel's argument.

Think of it as a constant dance between a thesis and its opposite.

Think of it as a constant dance between a thesis and its opposite.

Used here to describe a specific logical structure.

Workplace strategy

We need a dialectical approach to this budget conflict.

We need a dialectical approach to this budget conflict.

So, we synthesize the marketing needs with the engineering constraints?

So, we synthesize the marketing needs with the engineering constraints?

Refers to resolving two competing business priorities.

"dialectical" in a sentence

  1. The dialectical relationship between theory and practice is essential for learning.

    The dialectical relationship between theory and practice is essential for learning.

  2. Their conversation took on a dialectical quality, with each point challenging the previous one.

    Their conversation took on a dialectical quality, with each point challenging the previous one.

  3. Marxism is often defined by its dialectical materialist interpretation of history.

    Marxism is often defined by its dialectical materialist interpretation of history.

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