

The most common objection to naïve Coherentism is that it relies on the idea that circular justification is acceptable. Coherentism replaces the chain with a holistic web. In effect Coherentism denies that justification can only take the form of a chain. This is a version of coherentism.Ĭoherentism is the belief that an idea is justified if and only if it is part of a coherent system of mutually supporting beliefs (i.e., beliefs that support each other). In this case, the justification of any statement is used, perhaps after a long chain of reasoning, in justifying itself, and the argument is circular. In a similar way, individual beliefs, say about economics or ethics, rest on more basic beliefs, say about the nature of human beings and those rest on still more basic beliefs, say about the mind and in the end the entire system rests on a set of basic beliefs which are not justified by other beliefs.Īlternatively, the chain of reasoning may loop around on itself, forming a circle. Ordinary individual beliefs occupy the upper stories of the building basic, or foundational beliefs are down in the basement, in the foundation of the building, holding everything else up.

it is justified by a chain of beliefs that is ultimately justified by a basic belief or beliefs.įoundationalism can be compared to a building.Thus, a belief is justified if and only if: (See also a priori.)įoundationalism is the belief that a chain of justification begins with a belief that is justified, but which is not justified by another belief. Foundationalism seeks to escape the regress argument by claiming that there are some beliefs for which it is improper to ask for a justification. In this solution, which is called foundationalism, all beliefs are justified by basic beliefs. Perhaps the chain begins with a belief that is justified, but which is not justified by another belief. belief cannot be justified as beyond doubt.the chain of reasoning loops back on itself,.some statements do not need justification,.Throughout history many responses to this problem have been generated. That justification will in turn be another statement - let's call it P 3 so P 3 justifies P 2.But for P 2 to count as knowledge, it must itself be a justified true belief.

