dialectic

adj. logical, rational, polemical

n. act of arriving at a conclusion by means of logical reasoning; logical discussion; art or science of discursive reasoning; logical contradiction used as a force to continue interaction between two opposing forces;

In classical philosophy, dialectic (Greek: διαλεκτική) is controversy, Viz., the exchange of arguments and counter-arguments respectively advocating propositions (theses) and counter-propositions (antitheses). The outcome of the exercise might not simply be the refutation of one of the relevant points of view, but a synthesis or combination of the opposing assertions, or at least a qualitative transformation in the direction of the dialogue. In the Middle Ages it was one of the three original liberal arts collectively known as the trivium (the other members are rhetoric and grammar). In ancient and medieval times, both rhetoric and dialectic were understood to aim at being persuasive (through dialogue). The aim of the dialectical method, often known as dialectic or dialectics, is to try to resolve the disagreement through rational discussion., and ultimately, the search for truth. One way to proceed — the  Socratic method — is to show that a given  hypothesis (with other admissions) leads to a contradiction; thus, forcing the withdrawal of the hypothesis as a candidate for truth (see also reductio ad absurdum). Another way of trying to resolve a disagreement is by denying some presupposition of both the contending thesis and antithesis; thereby moving to a third (syn)thesis or "sublation". However, the rejection of the participant's presuppositions can be resisted, which might generate a second order controversy.
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Noun
1. any formal system of reasoning that arrives at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments
(hypernym) philosophy
2. a contradiction of ideas that serves as the determining factor in their interaction; "this situation created the inner dialectic of American history"
(hypernym) contradiction
Adjective
1. of or relating to or employing dialectic; "the dialectical method"
(synonym) dialectical

(n.)
Same as Dialectics.
  

(a.)
Alt. of Dialectical
  

In classical Greece, a process of discussion that is illustrated in Plato 's dialogues was called dialectic.  It is a way of questioning and conversing and reasoning.  Kant referred to the "transcendental dialectic" as metaphysical reasoning that tried, without success (or possible success) to figure out what the truth was beyond our senses.  The German philosopher, Hegel , applied the term to a process of development in which one idea (the thesis) begets its opposite (the antithesis) and the two come together to form a synthesis. Marx built on this Hegelian notion of dialecic in his version of dialectical materialism.