more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 5424

[catalogued under 3. Truth / D. Coherence Truth / 2. Coherence Truth Critique]

Full Idea

Coherence cannot be accepted as the meaning of truth, though it is often a most important test of truth after a certain amount of truth has become known.

Gist of Idea

Coherence is not the meaning of truth, but an important test for truth

Source

Bertrand Russell (Problems of Philosophy [1912], Ch.12)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'The Problems of Philosophy' [OUP 1995], p.71


A Reaction

The coherence theory is in fact a confusion of epistemology and ontology. Compare Idea 1364, where Reid charges Locke with confusing the test for personal identity with the thing itself. I wonder if refusal to accept essences causes this problem?

Related Ideas

Idea 1364 Locke confuses the test for personal identity with the thing itself [Reid on Locke]

Idea 21326 Locke's memory theory of identity confuses personal identity with the test for it [Reid on Locke]