Accordingly, the term 'Universal Dialectic' can be considered an attempt to Westernize the concept of Taiji in regard to the fundamental role and nature of complementary opposites in the ongoing process of creation. It associates that with the concept of dialectic advocated by Socrates, Hegel, and Marx.
Proponents of the Universal Dialectic concept maintain that the discovery of shared metaphysical ground may be of benefit to students of both traditions.