Dialectics

In many Japanese graphic (manga and anime) serials that feature combat or fighting, the clash usually occurs or is considered a proxy to assert the views of one side or the other. Pokémon is true in a certain way for both of these aspects, so it may be considered to be included. Because this method of resolving conflict is done in this manner, it may be thought of as a form of dialectics, which has strong roots in the search for knowledge. 

A general definition for dialectics would be the logical resolution of conflicting arguments or opinions. In the typical pursuit of knowledge, this would be done in calmer and more formal ways. But in relation to Japanese graphic serials, this is expectedly anything but calm and formal, often being their total opposites of frantic and informal. Regardless, since at the end an argument or opinion is asserted, it still constitutes a form of dialectics. 

Now, what about the logic? For every serial it's different, but at least I can attempt to explain the way things are for Pokémon. It, of course, has to do with Pokémon battles. Every time a move is made, an argument is being attacked. The losing argument crumbles partially each time a Pokémon is defeated, and completely after the battle is over. And should a draw occur, then the arguments are inconclusive.

This is perhaps best illustrated with an example. When Ash and Trip met in one episode, Ash sent out his three fifth-generation starters starting with Snivy, with the argument that things were better at that moment than in the previous times he met Trip. Part of this argument in effect crumbled when Trip's Servine defeated Snivy. Trip's argument was that things were not much better than before, which would appear to be proved when Oshawott lost control of Aqua Jet, but slightly crumbled when Oshawott defeated Timburr. Finally, neither Trainer's arguments became conclusive when Tepig and Vanillite hit up each other for a draw. Certainly every battle has its own interpretation that is not necessarily the same compared to another.

The Japanese graphic serial way of dialectics is not a particularly or necessarily elegant method of resolving arguments, but it's still dialectics nonetheless as wins and losses can be seen to confirm and deny feelings, respectively. And as Pokémon involves head-on challenges in the form of battles, it provides a space for this kind of dialectics to occur. The goal remains the same: to break down arguments to their core and seek the understanding to be known about them with every battle.