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Single Idea 17596

[filed under theme 2. Reason / A. Nature of Reason / 6. Coherence ]

Full Idea

A coherence problem is a set of elements connected by positive and negative restraints, and a solution consists of partitioning the elements into two sets (accepted and rejected) in a way that maximises satisfaction of the constraints.

Gist of Idea

Coherence problems have positive and negative restraints; solutions maximise constraint satisfaction

Source

Paul Thagard (Coherence: The Price is Right [2012], p.42)

Book Ref

-: 'Southern Journal of Philosophy' [-], p.42


A Reaction

I'm enthusiastic about this, as it begins to clarify the central activity of epistemology, which is the quest for best explanations.