
Coherentism
Coherentism, in epistemology, refers to the idea that beliefs are justified based on how well they fit with a person's other beliefs. If a belief aligns and fits coherently with a person's existing belief system, it is considered justified. It's akin to a puzzle: each piece (belief) doesn't make sense on its own, but when pieced together with other beliefs, they form a larger, coherent picture.
Additional Insights
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Coherentism is a theory of justification in knowledge that argues beliefs are justified not by foundational truths or external proof, but by their interconnections with other beliefs. In this view, a belief is considered valid if it fits well within a larger web of beliefs, much like how pieces of a puzzle come together to create a complete picture. If a belief is consistent with other beliefs we hold, it is seen as more reliable. Coherentism emphasizes the importance of the coherence and mutual support among beliefs rather than relying on isolated certainties.