Single Idea 12596

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

Full Idea

In reasoning you try among other things to increase the explanatory coherence of your view.

Gist of Idea

Reasoning aims at increasing explanatory coherence

Source

Gilbert Harman ((Nonsolipsistic) Conceptual Role Semantics [1987], 12.2.2)

Book Reference

Harman,Gilbert: 'Reasoning Meaning and Mind' [OUP 1999], p.212


A Reaction

Harman is a champion of inference to the best explanation (abduction), and I agree with him. I think this idea extends to give us a view of justification as coherence, and that extends from inner individual coherence to socially extended coherence.