dialectic
US /ˌdaɪ.əˈlek.tɪk/
UK /ˌdaɪ.əˈlek.tɪk/
1.
the art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions
:
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Socrates was a master of dialectic.
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The philosophical discussion involved a complex dialectic.
2.
the existence or action of opposing social forces, ideas, etc.
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The novel explores the dialectic between tradition and modernity.
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Marxist theory is based on historical dialectic.