Final answer:
Coherence in philosophy refers to the logical consistency and mutual support among a set of beliefs or statements. Coherentism argues that beliefs gain justification by their role in an interconnected system, and the Coherence Theory of Truth asserts that truth emerges from the interrelations within a network of consistent beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coherence refers to the logical consistency within a set of beliefs or statements, where the criteria for coherence demand that the beliefs or statements do not contradict one another and could all potentially be true simultaneously. When we speak of a coherent set of beliefs or statements, we imply that the elements within that set align with and support one another, forming a network of beliefs where justification for any single belief is strengthened by the connections it has with other beliefs. This concept contrasts with the idea of coherence with external reality—rather, coherence here emphasizes an internal consistency among the beliefs themselves.
Coherentism posits that individual beliefs are justified through their integration into a larger, coherent system where each belief interlocks with others, providing mutual support, akin to the strands of a web forming a resilient network. Philosophers use logical analysis to assess a set of claims for coherence, identifying and addressing inconsistencies. While a coherent set may not necessarily be true (as in a work of fiction that is internally consistent but not reflective of reality), incoherence points to the distrust in the set as it contains elements that cannot all be true together.
The Coherence Theory of Truth suggests that truth arises from the interrelationship among beliefs, rather than their correspondence to external reality. By this theory, a belief is considered true if it fits well within an established system of mutually supported beliefs. In science, for example, new hypotheses must be coherent with the established body of knowledge to be considered credible.