Full Idea
Coherence theory implicitly assigns the criteria of coherence a special status. …In so far as this status is assigned a priori, the coherence theory represents a rationalistic variant of foundationalism.
Gist of Idea
Coherence theory must give a foundational status to coherence itself
Source
Michael Williams (Problems of Knowledge [2001], Ch.11)
Book Reference
Williams,Michael: 'Problems of Knowledge' [OUP 2001], p.135
A Reaction
Nice move, to accuse coherence theorists of foundationalism! Wrong, though, because the a priori principles of coherence are not basic beliefs, but evolved pragmatic procedures (or something...).