Final answer:
Gerbert of Aurillac used the study of dialectic to propose that ideal forms exist within all individuals, attainable through dialectical reasoning. His conclusion is echoed through various philosophical traditions, highlighting the importance of dialogue in the pursuit of truth and social transformation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study of dialectic led Gerbert of Aurillac to conclude that ideal forms exist within us and can be accessed through proper thinking, questioning, and the guidance of dialectical reasoning. Dialectic, as a method of discovering truth through dialogue, moves away from adversarial debate, aiming instead to exchange ideas collaboratively toward understanding truth or resolving moral dilemmas. This approach is reflected in various philosophical and sociological schools of thought, including the Frankfurt School, which used dialectic to understand the arbitrariness of the social situation in any given era, and believed that social transformation requires intentional action.
German philosopher Georg Simmel also highlighted how conflict and dialectic can contribute to social integration and stability, while Aristotle established a connection between dialectic and formal systems of logic. Ultimately, dialectical processes, like those embraced by Gerbert of Aurillac, aim to distill stronger and more adequate arguments through continual review and refinement of ideas, rather than relying on absolutism or unequal ethical principles.