The Philosophy of Coherence: Who First and Last Said It? Why?

Throughout the history of philosophy, the concept of coherence has played a significant role in defining the boundaries and standards of knowledge. This article explores the idea that sometimes, it is about coherence indeed, not arrogance, that marks the beginning and end of philosophical inquiry. We delve into the thoughts of key philosophers like Wittgenstein, and introduce a thought-provoking yet lesser-known philosopher, Narcissus Maximus of Pompous, to uncover the essence of this concept.

Whose Philosophy Began and Ended with Coherence?

In response to the question, "Which philosopher said philosophy begins and ends with me?" one answer certainly stands out: Ludwig Wittgenstein. However, another, equally profound philosopher, often overlooked, is Narcissus Maximus of Pompous. While Google searches might not yield much on Narcissus Maximus, his insights parallel those of Wittgenstein, emphasizing the critical role of coherence in the creation and validation of knowledge.

The Gist of Narcissus Maximus' Philosophy: An Untapped Treasure?

I have previously expressed a sentiment much like Narcissus Maximus' on my own. What I intended to convey was that the process of creating objective knowledge through categorical deduction is not just the pioneering philosophy to establish a standard but also the one that might set the final one. While I cannot provide the precise original quotation, I will outline the essence of his idea here:

"Sometimes I think I am the first and last of all philosophers not because I am necessarily the greatest of all possible ideas but rather because most of the ideas did not come into existence and I was the only one I know to provide a coherent standard for their reality. Not only that but the standard was so difficult to create and so late in arriving that like Aristotle's logic, there will be little alternative to accepting the standard or rejecting altogether the possibility of coherence. For me, philosophy begins and may even end with coherence. But for those that reject coherence, there will also be other possible standards, but none is likely to be rigorous. Without coherence, in my view, philosophy lacks a standard."

The Importance of Coherence in Philosophy

The philosophy of coherence addresses the interrelatedness and consistency among different ideas, beliefs, and theories. Coherence is the foundation upon which a stable and meaningful knowledge system is built. It ensures that the pieces of knowledge fit together logically and support each other. In the context of philosophy, coherence can be seen as a cornerstone for critical thinking and rational argumentation.

Wittgenstein's Contribution to Coherence

Ludwig Wittgenstein, a pivotal figure in the philosophy of logic and language, contributed significantly to the understanding of coherence. In his later philosophyparticularly his Tractatus Logico-PhilosophicusWittgenstein emphasized the coherence of language and the world as a means to achieve a greater understanding. He argued that the true nature of things can be conveyed through compelling sentences that resonate with the fabric of the world, aligning with its existing order of phenomena.

The Challenge of Coherence

While the concept of coherence is vital for philosophy, it is also a challenging one to achieve. Creating a coherent standard requires not only intellectual rigor but also a deep understanding of various philosophical traditions and perspectives. It is often difficult to find a standard that satisfies everyone, as different individuals and schools of thought may have their own criteria and standards.

The Role of Coherence in Contemporary Philosophy

Today, the philosophy of coherence remains relevant, influencing various fields such as epistemology, philosophy of science, and philosophical theology. For example, in epistemology, the coherence theory of truth asserts that a belief is true if it fits into a coherent set of beliefs. Similarly, in the philosophy of science, coherence is used to evaluate the soundness and reliability of scientific theories.

Conclusion

In summary, the philosophy of coherenceboth ancient and contemporaryplays a crucial role in guiding our understanding of the world and the formation of knowledge. Whether it is stated as "philosophy begins and ends with me" by Wittgenstein or expressed through the thoughts of Narcissus Maximus of Pompous, coherence is a fundamental concept that must be considered in any philosophical discourse. This highlights the enduring significance of coherence in the quest for meaningful and rigorous philosophical exploration.

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