The Coherence Theory of Truth
Updated 2026-09-10
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
The coherence theory of truth holds that a proposition is true if and only if it coheres with some particular set of propositions. It differs from its main competitor, the correspondence theory, in two fundamental respects: the relation between propositions and truth conditions, and the characterization of truth conditions themselves. Coherence is understood as mutual support and explanatory interrelation among propositions, and the theory is typically paired with holism.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- System testing: check whether a new proposition is mutually supported by the existing web of belief without conflict. - Conflict location: find the point of internal inconsistency and judge which belief to revise. - Rival system alert: watch for an equally self-consistent contrary narrative, to avoid circular self-validation.
Anchor fast decisions
Coherence is understood as mutual support and explanatory connection among propositions: the more a proposition can be fitted into a network of mutually supporting beliefs, the better qualified it is to be true. Since truth is internal to a belief system, the theory is usually paired with holism; but it must confront the problem that several mutually incompatible yet equally coherent systems would all be true.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- plato.stanford.eduhttps://plato.stanford.edu/entries/truth-coherence/verified
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