Dialectic

Noun

 * 1) Any formal system of reasoning that arrives at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments.
 * 2) A contradiction of ideas that serves as the determining factor in their interaction.
 * This situation created the inner dialectic of American history.

Related terms

 * dialect
 * dialectical

Thesaurus
Aristotelian logic, Boolean algebra, Ramistic logic, airing, algebra of classes, algebra of relations, analysis, buzz session, canvassing, colloquium, conference, consideration, debate, debating, deliberation, dialectics, dialogue, discussion, disputation, doctrine of inference, doctrine of terms, epistemological logic, examination, exchange of views, experimental logic, forensic, formal logic, forum, investigation, joint discussion, logic, logical analysis, logical discussion, logics, logistic, material logic, mathematical logic, open discussion, open forum, panel discussion, propositional calculus, psychological logic, psychologism, rap, rap session, review, seminar, set theory, study, symposium, town meeting, treatment, ventilation

Etymology
From διαλεκτική:, from διαλεκτικός:, from διαλέγομαι:, from διά: + λέγω:.