This is a concept often associated with philosophy, but it is not the philosophical meaning of the word that is of relevance here. Rather, its use in this course is more generic in the sense that it denotes the process where two seemingly unrelated factors impinge on one another cyclically such as to permanently render the circumstance of each, to be in the hands of the other. For example: factor A impacts factor B in such a way as to alter factor B, and thereby enhance its capacity to influence factor A, which in turn is altered, enhancing its capacity to continue influencing factor B. Factor B then is further altered, enhancing its capacity to continue impinging on factor A—and so the cycle continues.[1]
[1]. Such statements from everyday experience as “they feed off each other,” or “they strengthen each other,” or “they need each other,” are statements that describe dialectical relationships.