Dialectical

Proper aligning of opposing concepts.

dialectical is derived from the root of the words dialectic, dialect; dialog.

Greek in meaning, the term refers to: The art of argument.

di [two] + lect [spoken] = dialektos "discourse, or way of speaking,"

An art of conversation in a preponderantly dual mode as opposed to a monologue.

Voices raised to communicate:

monologue	dialogue	chorus
one alone	between two	among many
a single speaker	conversation	unison from variety
single vision	argument	diverse plurality

A source for researching differences

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One of the seven liberal arts was dialectic.

opposites, contrary ideas

defined two ways

Literally:

practice of logical discussion as a means of examining critically the truth of a theory or opinion.

For an example see Mayr.

Figuratively:

A means of presenting contrasts to bring starkly to our attention, easily missed details. As in photos or painting emphasizing contrasts bring out the desired image can reveal the essential qualities underlying any complex or simple subjects may mislead due to over dramatization or simplification of two sides of otherwise many sided argument.

For an example see

Dialect

A divergence from the original, ancestral or root, colloquial expressions in any language distinct from the widely spoken forms of speech. To split into a recognizable, separate and distinct form of expression.

To diverge means to go away from one to another thing.

To contradict in order to determine the reason or rationale of something.

Pro	assert	plaintiff	prosecution	promote	ideal	propose	support
Con	refute	defendant	defense	demote	real	oppose	condemn

an example

Pro	Con
prefix (before)	suffix (after)
add +	subtract -
multiply X	divide ÷
advocate	denigrate
synonym	antonym
one	many
day	night
positive	negative
plus	minus
predator	prey
adult	child

Opposites reveal how matter is arranged:

This diagram is an example of how dialectically opposite concepts when joined can create a more accurate picture of the way things behave, exist, or are perceived.

Two similar architectural features joined by an archways.

Below is the exterior of a reconstruction of Constantine's Basilica at Trier, one of the capitals of the Roman Empire, The plan of the building was incorporated into the earliest Christian churches as the common basilica or town hall were the municipal meeting places or venues for law courts in ancient Roman society. Much of the buildings design and construction rested on a union of opposite features.

What in the chapel appears to be arranged in pairs or opposite sides?

An arch,

set perpendicular to another arch at its center point is a vault

phonic versus antiphony

Narthex versus Altar

What is a vault and how is it constructed?

Dialectical refers to the capacity to see an inherent opposition between two things, literally. Figuratively it implies the capability to understand contradictory points of view. A dialectic embodies the ability to set arguments side by side in order to determine their relative structure, factual evidence, and believable qualities.

Thus when choosing to compare and contrast positions a dialectical emerges from the differences that are delineated by listing points and counter-points to every description and argument that is presented by a piece of writing, an exposition, or an essay. There is always an opposite perspective to the assertions of an argument.


Proton		Neutron
Positive		No charge

But we construct the world out of opposites and by uniting these apparent polarities in a structure we make use of contrasts in order to see more accurately what it is we are perceiving. Genuine, authentic knowledge only emerges from a contrast of opposites.

The problem is that any atom is and all atoms are really composed of negatively charged electrons (blue ball) and positively charged (orange ball) protons.

arch An arch, any arch is a composition of opposing forces to raise a great structure. Just as an atom is composed of opposing forces of electrical charges that sustain the great structure of the material world. Atoms bond into compounds and compounds into molecules that make up the different things we see, touch, sense and are made up of from the world around us.

Dialectic described

Last Updated on August 6, 2006 , June 10, 2011.

By Joseph Siry

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