COHERENCE THEORY OF TRUTH Meaning and
Definition
-
The coherence theory of truth is a philosophical concept that seeks to define truth in terms of coherence and consistency within a particular system or framework. According to this theory, a belief or statement is considered true if it fits logically and consistently within an interconnected network of other beliefs or statements.
In the coherence theory of truth, truth is not determined by its correspondence to some external or objective reality, but rather by its logical coherence with other beliefs. This means that the truth of a statement is evaluated based on its logical consistency within a given belief system, rather than its correspondence with observable facts or empirical evidence.
The main idea behind the coherence theory of truth is that truth is a property of a whole system of beliefs rather than individual statements. In order for a belief to be considered true, it must be coherent and consistent with all the other beliefs within the system. If a belief contradicts or conflicts with other beliefs, it is considered to be false.
Critics of the coherence theory of truth argue that it lacks a firm foundation in reality and places too much emphasis on subjective interpretation and internal coherence. Furthermore, detractors claim that this theory can lead to a circular reasoning, as one belief may be justified by another belief without any reference to an external standard of truth. Overall, the coherence theory of truth provides an alternative perspective to traditional correspondence theories of truth, emphasizing the interconnectedness and logical consistency of beliefs within a particular system.
