(ἡ διαλεκτική; hē dialektikḗ) is an elliptic expression for ἡ διαλεκτικὴ τέχνη (hē dialektikḕ téchnē), ‘the art of discourse’. In both versions, it is first found in Plato (Plt. 7,534e 3 or respectively Phdr. 276e5f.), where it is used to describe an ability which is characteristic of philosophers. This, then new, definition of dialectics was widely adopted, but also frequently modified even in antiquity.
For a better understanding, the descriptor ‘art’ (téchnē) is of importance. It clarifies from the very outset that dialectics comprise a practical …