1. A rationale for dialectical materialism based on change through the conflict of opposing forces
   "Dialectics views progress as arising from the resolution of contradictions"

1. Any formal system of reasoning that arrives at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments
   "Socratic dialectic involves asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking"
    
2. A contradiction of ideas that serves as the determining factor in their interaction
   "this situation created the inner dialectic of American history"

Type of: contradiction, philosophy, principle, rationale

Encyclopedia: Dialectics