Synopsis
It is tempting to think that, if a person's beliefs are coherent, they are also likely to be true. Indeed, this truth-conduciveness claim is the cornerstone of the popular coherence theory of knowledge and justification. Hitherto much confusion has been caused by the inability of coherence theorists to define their central concept. Nor have they succeeded in specifying in unambiguous terms what the notion of truth-conduciveness involves. This book is the most extensive and detailed study of coherence and probable truth to date.
Erik Olsson argues that the value of coherence has been generally overestimated; it is severely problematic to maintain that coherence has a role to play in the process whereby beliefs are acquired or justified. He proposes that the opposite of coherence, i.e. incoherence, can still be the driving force in the process whereby beliefs are retracted, so that the role of coherence in our enquiries is negative rather than positive. Another innovative feature of Olsson's book is its unified, interdisciplinary approach to the issues at hand. The arguments are equally valid for coherence among any items of information, regardless of their sources (beliefs, memories, testimonies, and so on). Writing in accessible, non-technical language, Olsson takes the reader through much of the history of the subject, from early theorists like A. C. Ewing and C. I. Lewis to contemporary figures like Laurence BonJour and C. A.J. Coady. Against Coherence will make stimulating reading for epistemologists and anyone with a serious interest in truth.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Erik J. Olsson is Professor and Chair in Theoretical Philosophy at Lund University, Sweden
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for Against Coherence: Truth, Probability, and Justification
Stock Image
Against Coherence: Truth, Probability, and Justification
Seller: Reader's Corner, Inc., Raleigh, NC, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Trade Paperback. Condition: New. First Edition, First Printing. This is a new, first edition, first printing paperback copy, black spine. Seller Inventory # 090075
Stock Image
Against Coherence: Truth, Probability, and Justification
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2009
ISBN 10: 0199550514
ISBN 13: 9780199550517
Used
paperback
Seller: HPB-Emerald, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_449746848
Stock Image
Against Coherence: Truth, Probability, and Justification
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2009
ISBN 10: 0199550514
ISBN 13: 9780199550517
Used
paperback
Seller: HPB-Diamond, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_453140395
Seller Image
Against Coherence : Truth, Probability, and Justification
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 5620768-n
Stock Image
Against Coherence
Print on DemandSeller: PBShop.store US, Wood Dale, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. THIS BOOK IS PRINTED ON DEMAND. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # L0-9780199550517
Seller Image
Against Coherence : Truth, Probability, and Justification
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2009
ISBN 10: 0199550514
ISBN 13: 9780199550517
Used
Softcover
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition. Seller Inventory # 5620768
Stock Image
Against Coherence
Print on DemandSeller: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Delivered from our UK warehouse in 4 to 14 business days. THIS BOOK IS PRINTED ON DEMAND. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # L0-9780199550517
Buy New
US$ 65.10
Shipping:
US$ 5.51
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: Over 20 available
Seller Image
Against Coherence
Published by
Oxford University Press, GB, 2008
ISBN 10: 0199550514
ISBN 13: 9780199550517
New
Paperback
Seller: Rarewaves.com USA, London, LONDO, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: New. It is tempting to think that, if a person's beliefs are coherent, they are also likely to be true. Indeed, this truth-conduciveness claim is the cornerstone of the popular coherence theory of knowledge and justification. Hitherto much confusion has been caused by the inability of coherence theorists to define their central concept. Nor have they succeeded in specifying in unambiguous terms what the notion of truth-conduciveness involves. This book is the most extensive and detailed study of coherence and probable truth to date. Erik Olsson argues that the value of coherence has been generally overestimated; it is severely problematic to maintain that coherence has a role to play in the process whereby beliefs are acquired or justified. He proposes that the opposite of coherence, i.e. incoherence, can still be the driving force in the process whereby beliefs are retracted, so that the role of coherence in our enquiries is negative rather than positive. Another innovative feature of Olsson's book is its unified, interdisciplinary approach to the issues at hand. The arguments are equally valid for coherence among any items of information, regardless of their sources (beliefs, memories, testimonies, and so on). Writing in accessible, non-technical language, Olsson takes the reader through much of the history of the subject, from early theorists like A. C. Ewing and C. I. Lewis to contemporary figures like Laurence BonJour and C. A. J. Coady. Against Coherence will make stimulating reading for epistemologists and anyone with a serious interest in truth. Seller Inventory # LU-9780199550517
Buy New
US$ 74.60
Shipping:
FREE
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: Over 20 available
Stock Image
Against Coherence: Truth, Probability, and Justification (eng)
Print on DemandSeller: Brook Bookstore On Demand, Napoli, NA, Italy
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: new. Questo è un articolo print on demand. Seller Inventory # 0356202e89c3801d5cb8c776d4596584
Stock Image
Against Coherence: Truth, Probability, and Justification
Seller: Ria Christie Collections, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. In. Seller Inventory # ria9780199550517_new
Buy New
US$ 63.17
Shipping:
US$ 15.86
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: Over 20 available