The theory of truth that states “the agreement of things with one another” is known as the coherence theory of truth. It posits that a statement is true if it is logically consistent with other statements that are known to be true. This theory of truth is widely used in philosophy, and its practical applications can be seen in various fields like science, law, and journalism.
The coherence theory of truth is based on the concept of coherence, which is the ability of a set of statements or beliefs to logically fit together. According to this theory, a statement is true if it can be logically integrated into a broader system of beliefs or statements that are already accepted as true. This means that the truth of a particular statement is not dependent on its correspondence with reality, but rather on how well it fits into the larger system of beliefs.
This theory of truth has some advantages over other theories like the correspondence theory of truth. For example, it allows for the possibility that a statement can be true even if it does not correspond to reality. This is because the coherence theory considers truth to be a matter of logical consistency, rather than empirical verification. This means that statements that are not empirically verifiable, such as those related to metaphysics or ethics, can still be considered true if they are logically consistent with other statements that are known to be true.
However, the coherence theory of truth also has some limitations. One of the main criticisms of this theory is that it can lead to circular reasoning. This is because the truth of a statement is determined by its coherence with other statements, which in turn are determined by their coherence with yet other statements. This can create an endless loop of logical consistency without any connection to reality.
In conclusion, the coherence theory of truth is a valuable tool for understanding the nature of truth in various fields. While it has its advantages over other theories, it also has some limitations that should be taken into account. Ultimately, the theory of truth that one subscribes to will depend on their philosophical framework and practical needs.