How to Do a Dialectical Notebook
To have an unbiased conversation with yourself is one common method used to come to the truth of a matter. The Socratic Method and similar styles employed by Plato included vigorous questioning of one's self and others to reach that truth. A dialectical journal is a similar tool that asks the writer to consider the thoughts of another, usually through another's writing, and maintain a dialogue with the text by expressing ideas, questions and thoughts concerning the studied commentary. While there is no exact form per se to keeping a dialectical journal, the easiest way is to separate your journal into two columns of thought, one for the text and one for the analysis.
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Instructions
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Purchase any journal or notebook to keep a compilation of your dialectical entries.
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Use a ruler to draw a straight vertical line down the center of each page, starting from the top and ending at the bottom.
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Write the phrase "Author's Thoughts" on the top left half of each page, and "My Thoughts" on the top right half of each page.
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Include a quote or thought from the author's text espousing the author's belief in the "Author's Thoughts" category.
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Analyze that quote or excerpt of text scrupulously. Decide on if you agree or disagree, and the degree to which you agree or disagree.
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Explain why you agree or disagree in the "My Thoughts" section of the text. Challenge yourself, and do not immediately accept the conventional wisdom or the author's values and beliefs.
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Write down your thoughts and beliefs and ask questions, particularly why something is a certain way. The dialectical journal is a deeply philosophical tool. To attain the highest value from this exercise, be as true with yourself as possible in answering your own questions and formulating your own thoughts.
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References
- Photo Credit notebook image by Victor M. from Fotolia.com
