That
branch of
logic which teaches the rules and modes of reasoning; the
application of logical principles to discursive reasoning; the
science or
art of discriminating truth from error; logical discussion.
Dialectics was defined by
Aristotle to be the
method of arguing with probability on any
given problem, and of defending a tenet
without inconsistency. By Plato, it was used in the
next senses:
1. Discussion by dialogue as a
method of
scientific investigation.
2. The
method of investigating the truth by analysis.
3. The
science of ideas or of the
character and laws of
being higher metaphysics. By Kant, it was employed to signify the
logic of appearances or illusions, whether these
arise from
accident or error, or from those
necessary limitations which, according to
this philosopher, originate in the
constitution of the
human intellect.
Origin: L. Dialectica (sc. Ars), Gr. (sc): cf. F. Dialectique.
Source: Websters Vocabulary