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 Reference
-: '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.