Koherenssiteorie

Koherenssiteorie, often translated as coherence theory, is a philosophical concept that defines truth in terms of the logical consistency and mutual support among a set of propositions or beliefs. According to this theory, a statement is considered true if it fits coherently with a larger system of already accepted beliefs. The emphasis is on the internal harmony and absence of contradiction within a belief system, rather than on correspondence with an external reality.

The development of coherence theories can be traced back to various philosophical traditions. For instance, some idealist philosophers emphasized the interconnectedness of all knowledge, suggesting that truth is found in the systematic unity of experience. In this view, individual propositions gain their truth value by their contribution to the overall coherence of a comprehensive worldview. A belief is true if it coheres with the whole system of beliefs that a person or community holds.

A key challenge for coherence theories is the possibility of multiple, mutually exclusive but internally coherent belief systems. If truth is solely determined by internal consistency, then two contradictory sets of beliefs could both be considered true, which is counterintuitive. Critics often argue that coherence theories fail to adequately account for our intuitive understanding of truth as a relationship between beliefs and the world. Despite these criticisms, coherence remains an important concept in epistemology, particularly in discussions about justification and the nature of knowledge.