"Dialectical tension" refers to a conflict or opposing forces that exist within a situation. It implies there are two opposing viewpoints or ideas that create a sense of tension or disagreement. Full definition
America, from the beginning, has been a kind of dialectical tension between the democratic and libertarian «voices.» (firstthings.com)
More concretely, the glorification of dialectical tension in Soloveitchik's case can obscure the extent to which his thinking, with all its nuance and complexity, does in fact exhibit exceptional coherence, harmony, and integration. (firstthings.com)
Throughout his presentation, Ziegler stresses Soloveitchik's insistence that an authentic religious philosophy will always feature powerful dialectical tension, that genuine religious life is ineluctably pervaded with dynamic inner conflict. (firstthings.com)