Dialectics and pragmatics

Abstract

The aim of this contribution is to make the dialectical dimension of pragmadialectics more explicit by giving a philosophical analysis of the ‘standard version’ of the theory as it has been developed since the publication of Speech Acts. The analysis shows that the standard version of the theory is premised on three ‘dialectical’ starting points, pertaining to: (I) the aim; (II) the structure; and (III) the regulation of a critical discussion respectively.