The positing of the thesis necessitates the inference of a vast body of concepts which stand in distinction to and in contrast with the thesis. This body of concepts would include literally everything not included in the thesis. Hegel designates this body of concepts the 'antithesis'. In the writings of Hegel the antithesis is said to contra- dict the thesis. Hegel uses the term 'contradict' because he believed that truth could only be expressed in terms of the whole of reality.
Truth is sought by bringing the antithesis into conflict with the thesis.
The significance of the thesis in reference to truth is established by removing the internal contradiction which exists between the thesis and the antithesis, thereby uniting the two in a higher concept known as the synthesis. This synthesis in turn becomes a second thesis which in turn gives rise to and is brought into conflict with a second antithesis, thereby producing a second and more refined synthesis. At this point the Welt-Geist has expressed itself in perfection and history has realized consummation. This way of thinking about human existenc has had a powerful impact upon the twentieth century, and it is threatening the twenty-first. Just a few examples will illustrate the case.