While modern coherence theorists hold that there are many possible systems to which the determination of truth may be based upon coherence, others, particularly those with strong religious beliefs, hold that the truth only applies to a single absolute system.
For example, the coherence of the underlying set of concepts is considered to be a critical factor in judging validity for the whole system.
In other words, the set of base concepts in a universe of discourse must first be seen to form an intelligible paradigm before many theorists will consider that the coherence theory of truth is applicable.
[citation needed] In modern philosophy, the coherence theory of truth was defended by Baruch Spinoza,[1] Immanuel Kant,[1] Johann Gottlieb Fichte,[1] Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel,[2] Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel[1] and Harold Henry Joachim (who is credited with the definitive formulation of the theory).
Exponents of this view infer that the most complete truth is a property solely of a unique coherent system, called the absolute, and that humanly knowable propositions and systems have a degree of truth that is proportionate to how fully they approximate this ideal.