Dialectic reasoning is a type of logic that involves a back-and-forth discussion between two or more parties in order to arrive at a conclusion. It is often used in philosophy to debate different theories and ideas.
The word “dialectic” comes from the Greek word διαλεκτικός (diálektikós), which means “of or relating to conversation or discussion.” The term was first used by Plato in his dialogues, where Socrates would engage in dialectic reasoning with his students in order to better understand a concept.
In dialectic reasoning, there are three main stages: thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. The thesis is the first argument or point of view, the antithesis is the second argument or point of view that contradicts the first, and the synthesis is the resolution of the two conflicting arguments.
For example, in the philosophy of Hegel, the thesis is the idea of being, the antithesis is the idea of nothing, and the synthesis is the resolution of these two ideas into the concept of becoming. According to Hegel, the dialectic thought process is responsible for the process of history, meaning that history is the result of the clash between different ideas.
Related Terms:
Logic – The study of correct reasoning.
Argument – A claim or set of claims made in support of a position.
Conflict – A disagreement between two or more parties.
Resolution – The process of resolving a conflict.
Theory – A set of related ideas that are used to explain a phenomenon.
Philosophy – The study of the nature of reality, knowledge, and morality.
Glossary Terms starting with D
- Debt Slavery – Entrapping Workers in a Cycle of Unpayable Debt
- Democracy – When all Citizens have an Equal Vote
- Demography – A Branch of Sociology that studies Human Populations
- Despotism – A Single Ruler who has Absolute Power
- Development – The process of Economic, Social and Cultural change
- Developmental Cycle of the Domestic Group – How Groups Change and Adapt Over Time
- Dialect – A Variety of a Language that has its own unique features
- Dialectic Reasoning – A Debate that Leads to a Conclusion
- Discrimination – Treating People Differently based on their Race, Gender or Other Characteristics
- Divination – Gaining Information through Supernatural Means
- Division of Labour – Assigning Tasks in such a way as to Enable Specialisation
- Domestic Mode of Production – Producing Goods for the Family
- Duolocal Residence – When Husband and Wife Live Separately
- Durkheim, Émile: The Father of Sociology and His Contributions to Anthropology
- Dowry – A Form of Marriage Payment
- Dynasty – A Line of Hereditary Rulers
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