Dialectic is an oscillation between opposing ideas within a dialogue. It is a line of thinking that takes the form of argument and rebuttal to reach a better understanding of what is true. The word and concept originates from the ancient Greek thinkers and is the basis for today’s use of logic when seeking out what is true.
The strength of the dialectic method of reasoning is built from a rational discussion that includes multiple opposing points of view. Offering multiple propositions and counter propositions and then having them skillfully negated or confirmed, brings about resolutions of disagreements that lead reasonable participants closer to the truth.
Discussions involving singular points of view that have not been skillfully and rationally challenged often have fatal flaws which can lead to accepting false assertions. Even a well constructed point of view, supporting a true assertion, benefits from the rigors of being challenged in that it contributes toward strengthening support for the assertions being made.
In the court of law where two skillful lawyers argue a case before a jury, it is not uncommon to be pursuaded of the guilt beyond reasonable doubt of an alleged defendant during the presentation of the prosecutor only later to be pursuaded by the defense that there is enough reasonable doubt to acquit the accused. This exemplifies both the necessity of examining multiple points of view to develop a better understanding that more closely aligns with what is true as well as how much dialectic reasoning has shaped important processes that affect our lives even today.
BKH2272 - Logic Brain 