1. Philosophy

Deriving from the Gk. dialogos (conversation), the term “dialogue” has become a key term in 20thcentury philosophy, though used in different ways. In the history of philosophy it has played a leading role since Plato (Platonism), mainly as a literary genre. Yet the form Plato chose was connected with his conviction that we can reach true insight only in a conversation that does justice to opposing views and seeks agreement step by step.

The term took on philosophical significance only in the 20th century. It …