Korrespondensie of koherensie?

Abstract

Apart from the pragmatic , the performative , and the existentialist theorie s of truth, the correspondence theory and the coherence theory of truth are of special importance in any discussion about scientific truth. The Christian scholars Ceisler and Feinberg are q u o ted as proponents of the correspondence theory, and Botha as a proponent of the coherence theory. None of them seem to take sifficiently into account the essential distinction between the practical and the theoretical attitude of thought, nor do they discuss the difference between the two theories of them within the framework of a Christian cosmology and episiemology. Therefore, the distinction between Biblical and theological knowledge is briefly discussed, as well as the scientism inherent in the fundamentalistic preference of the correspondence theory. It is argued, however, that the same danger of scientism threatens Botha's preference of the weak criterion of truth of the coherence theory. Finally, Botha ’s preference of the relational concept of truth is criticized because of its false distinction between the relational an d the objective and subjective. Here, too, a consistent Christian cosmology and epistemology could be helpful.