What does dialectical mean Meaning and Definition
What does dialectical mean
Pronunciation
/daɪˈælɪtɪkəl/
Part of Speech
Noun, adjective
Definition
A philosophical term that refers to the integration of opposites, contradictions, or conflicting ideas into a unified whole, often through the process of critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis.
Examples
- The dialectical process helps to reconcile the contradictions between Marxism and liberal democracy.
- The company’s business model combines traditional and digital marketing strategies in a dialectical approach.
Etymology
The word ‘dialectical’ originates from the Greek word ‘dialectikos’, meaning ‘pertaining to conversation’ or ‘dialogue’, which is derived from ‘dialegesthai’, meaning ‘to converse’ or ‘to discuss’. The term has evolved to encompass the philosophical concept of integrating opposing ideas.
Usage Notes
The word ‘dialectical’ is often used in philosophical, academic, and theoretical contexts to describe the process of reconciling opposing ideas or integrating contradictions. It can also be used more broadly to describe any situation where opposing forces or ideas are integrated into a unified whole.
Cultural References
The concept of dialectics has been explored in various cultural and literary works, such as the novels of George Lukacs and the philosophical writings of Slavoj Žižek.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- ‘To dialectically resolve a conflict’ – to reconcile opposing ideas or forces.
Related Words or Phrases
- Dialectic
- Dialogue
- Contradiction
Collocations
- ‘dialectical approach’, ‘dialectical method’, ‘dialectical process’, ‘dialectical thinking’
Frequency of Use
The word ‘dialectical’ is relatively rare in everyday language, but it is commonly used in academic and theoretical contexts.