Comments on Coherence Theory in the Philosophy of Law

Publication Title

Social Science Research Network

Authors

William A. Edmundson, Georgia State University College of LawFollow

Document Type

Unpublished Paper

Publication Date

5-1-1994

Abstract

Coherentism, in philosophy generally, is of either an epistemological or a metaphysical type. The epistemological type responds to worries about foundationalism that have no serious counterpart within the philosophy of law. The metaphysical type is implausible generally, but has been put to use within the philosophy of law - by Ronald Dworkin in particular - to close up "gaps" in the law that provide an opening for purportedly worrisome exercises of judicial discretion. These remarks conclude with the suggestion that the conception of political legitimacy that underlies such worries is crude and unwarranted.

Comments

External Links
SSRN

Recommended Citation

William A. Edmundson, Comments on Coherence Theory in the Philosophy of Law, Social Science Research Network (May 1994), available at http://ssrn.com/abstract=1147392.

Institutional Repository Citation

William A. Edmundson, Comments on Coherence Theory in the Philosophy of Law, Faculty Publications By Year 330 (1994)
https://readingroom.law.gsu.edu/faculty_pub/330