![]() But we have not explained, and perhaps could not explain, the ideal of perfect conceivability and perfect truth by reference to which these degrees are to be estimated. Moreover, we have admitted degrees of conceivability, and therefore also degrees of truth. Science would be "true," so far as its system of demonstrations reconstructs- i.e., repeats or corresponds to-the systematic coherence which is the truth as a character of the Real. We spoke of science as an explicit analysis and reasoned reconstruction of the systematic coherence of a significant whole but this sounds uncommonly like a reversion to the correspondence-notion. …Truth, we have said, is in its essence conceivability or systematic coherence… is more or less "conceivable"-in proportion as the whole, with its determinate inner articulation, shines more or less clearly through that element or in proportion as the element, in manifesting itself, manifests also with more or less clearness and fullness the remaining elements in their reciprocal adjustment. Any element of such a whole shares in this characteristic to a greater or less degree- i.e. Thus "conceivability" means for us systematic coherence, and is the determining characteristic of a "significant whole." The systematic coherence of such a whole is expressed most adequately and explicitly in the system of reasoned knowledge which we call a science or a branch of philosophy. The Antipodes are "conceivable" in the sense that they are forced upon any thinker for whom the earth and the solar system are to possess significance i.e., the Antipodes are a necessary constituent of a significant whole, as that whole must be conceived. And, on the other hand, the being of the Antipodes is a necessary interconnected piece in that puzzle of which our astronomical science is the coherent exposition. But if we persisted in our attempt to locate the creature there, we should inevitably bring confusion and contradiction into that sphere of significant being- so far at least as it is manifest to us in our anatomical and physiological knowledge. The horse-man might pass externally as a convenient shape for rapid movement but how about his internal economy, the structure, adjustment and functioning of his inner organs? If he is to be "actual," the animal kingdom is his natural home. They collide amongst themselves, or they clash with some of the constitutive elements in that wider sphere of experience, that larger significant whole, in which the Centaur must strive for a place. And in this sense a Centaur is "inconceivable," whilst the Antipodes are clearly "conceivable." For the elements constitutive of the Centaur refuse to enter into reciprocal adjustment. ![]() The elements thus cohering constitute a whole which may be said to control the reciprocal adjustment of its elements, as an end controls its constituent means. A "significant whole" is such that all its constituent elements reciprocally involve one another, or reciprocally determine one another's being as contributory features in a single concrete meaning. And to be "conceivable" means to be a "significant whole," or a whole possessed of meaning for thought. To "conceive" means for us to think out clearly and logically, to hold many elements together in a connection necessitated by their several contents. All this is quite irrelevant, and does not touch our position. Conceivability is the essential nature of truth." And we may proceed at once to remove a possible misunderstanding of the term "conceive." We do not mean by "conceive" to form a mental picture and we shall not be dismayed when we hear that the Antipodes were once "inconceivable," or that a Centaur can be "conceived." For it may be difficult-or even, if you like, impossible- to "image" people walking head downwards and to "picture" a horse with the head and shoulders of a man may be as easy as you please. It is true because, and in so far as, it can be conceived. ![]() "Anything is true which can be conceived. We may start with the following as a provisional and rough formulation of the coherence-notion. ![]()
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