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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.

Notebook or journal
Pen
Ruler (optional)
Varied text to be studied

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase any journal or notebook to keep a compilation of your dialectical entries.
- 2
  Use a ruler to draw a straight vertical line down the center of each page, starting from the top and ending at the bottom.
- 3
  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.
- 4
  Include a quote or thought from the author's text espousing the author's belief in the "Author's Thoughts" category.
- 5
  Analyze that quote or excerpt of text scrupulously. Decide on if you agree or disagree, and the degree to which you agree or disagree.
- 6
  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.
- 7
  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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