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]