Joachim, truth is a systematic coherence that involves more than logical consistency. However, coherence theories of truth do not claim merely that coherence and consistency are important features of a theoretical system - they claim that these properties are sufficient to its truth.Īccording to another version of coherence theory, championed especially by H.H. Ideas like this are a part of the philosophical perspective known as theoretical holism (Quine & Ullian 1978). For example, the completeness and comprehensiveness of the underlying set of concepts is considered to be critical factor in judging its utility and validity.Īccording to one view, the coherence theory of truth is the "theory of knowledge which maintains that truth is a property primarily applicable to any extensive body of consistent propositions, and derivatively applicable to any one proposition in such a system by virtue of its part in the system" (Benjamin 1962). Very often, though, coherence is taken to imply something more than simple logical consistency.
In general, then, truth requires a proper fit of elements within the whole system. Where theorists differ is mainly on the question of whether coherence entails many possible true systems of thought or only a single absolute system. A pervasive tenet is the idea that truth is primarily a property of whole systems of propositions and can be ascribed to individual propositions only derivatively according to their coherence with the whole. In general, coherence theory sees truth as coherence with some specified set of sentences, propositions or beliefs. There is no single coherence theory of truth, but rather an assortment of perspectives that are commonly collected under this title.