Popularizing Auto-Dialectics in Scientific Endeavour: A Potentially Productive Tool in the Interests of Better and Higher-Quality Science

We begin this paper by defining the antecedents of the English term dialectics, and then proceed to trace and summarize its entire history in a nutshell. We also then explain how great Greek thinkers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle understood the term, and also contributed in no small measure, to dialectical thought. We then proceed to examine the contributions made by other great European thinkers, particularly the Germans to this entire philosophy and school of thought. We also review the contributions of other “non-orthodox” cultures to dialectics including the Indian school of thought. We also evaluate the Marxian school of material dialectical thought, and examine some of its weaknesses and shortcomings. We also review and summarize all other different schools of thought associated with dialectics, and the potential downstream uses and implications of dialectics. We also present and review some limitations of dialects, and their common criticisms. We also review our core philosophy of neo-centrism and the position of “Reflective equilibrium through role swapping” (or RERS) advocated by us several years ago, and then build upon the core and key concepts and tenets of this approach to formulate what we call auto-dialectics. We also propose and evaluate some key benefits and downstream benefits and implications of this technique, and explain how it can lead to better quality science.