| − | '''Dialectic''' (also called ''dialectics'' or ''the dialectical method'') is a method of argument, which has been central to both Indic and European philosophy since ancient times. The word "dialectic" originates in Ancient Greece, and was made popular by [[Plato]] in his Socratic dialogues. Dialectic is based on a [[dialogue]] between two or more people who may hold differing views, yet wish to seek the truth of the matter through the exchange of their viewpoints while applying reason.<ref>The Republic (Plato), 348b</ref> This differs from a [[debate]], in which both sides are committed to their viewpoint and only wish to win the debate by persuading or proving themselves right (or the other side wrong) – and thus a jury or judge is often needed to decide the matter. It also differs from rhetoric, which is oratory that appeals to logos, pathos, or ethos. Rhetoric is communication designed to persuade an audience to side with a particular argument or action. | + | '''Dialectic''' (also called ''dialectics'' or ''the dialectical method'') is a method of argument, which has been central to both Indic and European philosophy since ancient times. The word "dialectic" originates in Ancient Greece, and was made popular by Plato in his Socratic dialogues. Dialectic is based on a dialogue between two or more people who may hold differing views, yet wish to seek the truth of the matter through the exchange of their viewpoints while applying reason.<ref>The Republic (Plato), 348b</ref> This differs from a debate, in which both sides are committed to their viewpoint and only wish to win the debate by persuading or proving themselves right (or the other side wrong) – and thus a jury or judge is often needed to decide the matter. It also differs from rhetoric, which is oratory that appeals to logos, pathos, or ethos. Rhetoric is communication designed to persuade an audience to side with a particular argument or action. |
| | The Sophists taught "Arete|arête" (Greek: meaning quality or excellence) as the highest value and determinant of one's actions in life. The Sophists taught artistic quality in oratory (as we might teach someone to both write and to deliver a moving or motivational monologue) as (one) manner of demonstrating one's "arête". They taught oratory as an art form, used to both please and to influence others through the excellence of one's speeches (as opposed to using logical arguments). (The Sophists taught that a person should seek arête in all that he did, not just oratory). | | The Sophists taught "Arete|arête" (Greek: meaning quality or excellence) as the highest value and determinant of one's actions in life. The Sophists taught artistic quality in oratory (as we might teach someone to both write and to deliver a moving or motivational monologue) as (one) manner of demonstrating one's "arête". They taught oratory as an art form, used to both please and to influence others through the excellence of one's speeches (as opposed to using logical arguments). (The Sophists taught that a person should seek arête in all that he did, not just oratory). |
| − | # Everything is transient and finite, existing in the medium of [[time]] (this idea is not accepted by some dialecticians). | + | # Everything is transient and finite, existing in the medium of time (this idea is not accepted by some dialecticians). |
| | # Gradual changes lead to turning points, where one force overcomes the other (quantitative change leads to qualitative change). | | # Gradual changes lead to turning points, where one force overcomes the other (quantitative change leads to qualitative change). |