coherence theory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “coherence theory” mean?
A philosophical theory of truth which states that a belief is true if it coheres (fits logically) with a system of other beliefs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A philosophical theory of truth which states that a belief is true if it coheres (fits logically) with a system of other beliefs.
More broadly, any theory (e.g., in linguistics, law, or epistemology) that emphasizes the internal consistency and logical interconnectedness of a system of propositions as a criterion for its validity or truth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences; the term is identical in both variants.
Connotations
Identical technical, philosophical connotations.
Frequency
Used with equal frequency and in identical contexts in UK and US academic philosophy.
Grammar
How to Use “coherence theory” in a Sentence
[Subject] advocates/adheres to/rejects coherence theory.Coherence theory holds/posits/states that [clause].According to coherence theory, [proposition].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coherence theory” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Philosophers who cohere to this theory are known as coherentists.
- His beliefs failed to cohere into a defensible system.
American English
- The legal principles must cohere to form a just system.
- She argued that the evidence didn't cohere with the prosecution's theory.
adverb
British English
- The beliefs hung together coherently.
- He argued coherently for his position.
American English
- The system is designed to function coherently.
- She presented the case coherently and persuasively.
adjective
British English
- The coherentist account of truth was heavily debated.
- He took a coherence-based approach to epistemology.
American English
- The coherentist perspective challenges foundationalism.
- Her argument was primarily coherence-oriented.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in strategic planning: 'Our market analysis lacks a coherence theory; the segments don't connect.'
Academic
Primary context. In philosophy papers, epistemology textbooks, and discussions of truth, justification, and legal reasoning.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in specialized fields like epistemology, philosophy of science (theory choice), philosophy of law (coherence of legal systems), and some AI (knowledge representation).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coherence theory”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coherence theory”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coherence theory”
- Using 'coherence' as an adjective (e.g., 'a coherence idea'). It is a noun adjunct.
- Confusing it with 'cohesion' (which refers to grammatical or textual connectedness).
- Misspelling as 'coherance'.
- Using it in non-technical contexts where 'consistency' or 'logic' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, but its principles extend to theories of justification (epistemic coherentism), legal reasoning (coherence of laws), and even ethics (coherence of moral principles).
The 'isolation objection': a coherent system could be completely detached from reality (like a consistent fairy tale). Critics argue it lacks an essential connection to the external world.
A detective constructing a case. The guilt of a suspect is deemed 'true' if it coheres best with all the evidence (witness statements, forensics, motive), forming the most logically consistent narrative.
Historically, Hegel and Brand Blanshard; more contemporarily, thinkers like Nicholas Rescher, Laurence BonJour (in his earlier work), and in legal philosophy, Ronald Dworkin.
A philosophical theory of truth which states that a belief is true if it coheres (fits logically) with a system of other beliefs.
Coherence theory is usually formal, academic in register.
Coherence theory: in British English it is pronounced /kəʊˈhɪərəns ˈθɪəri/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˈhɪrəns ˈθɪri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(To be) a pillar of coherence (metaphorical extension).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a coherent essay: all parts connect logically. 'Coherence Theory' is the idea that TRUTH works the same way for a whole belief system.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRUTH/WARRANT IS A WEB (interconnected beliefs support each other). KNOWLEDGE IS A STRUCTURE (built on coherent foundations).
Practice
Quiz
In philosophical discourse, 'coherence theory' is most directly contrasted with which other major theory of truth?