polemic adj : of or involving dispute or controversy [syn: polemical]

1 a writer who argues in opposition to others (especially in theology) [syn: polemicist, polemist]

2 a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma)

English

Etymology

From polemique < sc=polytonic < sc=polytonic

Pronunciation

• /pʌˈlemɪk/

  Rhymes: -ɛmɪk

Noun

1. In the context of "usually plural": The art or practice of aggressive debate, attack on or refutation of the opinions or principles of another

Translations

• Danish: polemik
• Finnish: polemiikki
• French: polemique
• German: Polemik
• Spanish: polémica
• Italian: polemica

Adjective

1. Having the characteristics of a polemic.

Translations

• Finnish: poleeminen
• French: polemique
• German: polemisch
• Spanish: polémico
• Italian: polemico

Polemics () is the practice of disputing or controverting religious, philosophical, or political matters. As such, a polemic text on a topic is often written specifically to dispute or refute a position or theory that is widely viewed to be beyond reproach. The antonym of a polemic source is an apologia.

Polemic journalism was common in continental Europe when libel laws weren't stringent. The Research Support Libraries Programme "Pamphlet and polemic: pamphlets as a guide to the controversies of the 17th-19th centuries", co-managed by the University of St. Andrews, the University of Aberdeen, and University of Wales Lampeter, collected and placed thousands of pamphlets on-line as a study of polemic rhetoric of that era. There are other meanings of the word as well. Polemic is also a branch of theology, pertaining to the history or conduct of ecclesiastical controversy.

The word is derived from the Greek word polemikos (πολεμικως) which means "warlike", "hostile". Plato uses a character named Polemarchus in his dialogue Republic as a vehicle to drive forward an ethical debate.

References

See also

• Apologia
• Conversational intolerance
• Devil's advocate

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