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Coherence

Coherence is the quality or state of cohering, especially a systematic or logical or between different elements or parts. Derived from Latin cohaerentia ("a sticking together"), from cohaerēre ("to stick together"), via cohérence, the term entered English around 1580. This concept manifests across multiple disciplines, including physics (wave phase relationships), (coherent structures like sheaves), (textual unity), (theories of truth and ), (cache and data ), and other fields such as and , where it denotes the degree to which components align to form a unified whole, whether in physical phenomena, abstract systems, or human . In general usage, coherence implies intelligibility and logical , contrasting with incoherence, which arises from disjointed or contradictory elements.

Overview

Definition and etymology

Coherence is the property by which elements of a or set form a unified whole, characterized by logical and absence of . This quality ensures that components—whether in , ideas, or structures—connect systematically without internal discord, fostering clarity and integrity. In general usage, coherence applies across diverse domains, including texts where sentences flow logically, systems that align without , and even physical systems like that exhibit uniformity. The term originates from the Latin verb cohaerere, meaning "to stick together" or "to cleave," composed of co- (together) and haerere (to stick or adhere). It entered English in the late via cohérence, initially denoting physical before evolving to encompass abstract notions of logical unity by the early 17th century. The first notable philosophical application appears in ' Principles of Philosophy (), where he describes his explanatory framework as forming a "coherent " to demonstrate the interconnected of natural phenomena derived from fundamental principles. In everyday contexts, coherence manifests as clear, organized speech that conveys ideas without , contrasting with rambling that lacks and . Abstractly, it describes a consistent set of ideas, such as a philosophical where propositions one another without , ensuring the overall remains intact and persuasive. For instance, in physics, coherence briefly denotes the synchronized relationship among , enabling predictable interactions, though this is distinct from broader conceptual uses.

Interdisciplinary significance

Coherence serves as a unifying across diverse disciplines, facilitating the of by emphasizing consistent relationships and structures that bridge scientific and humanistic inquiries. In interdisciplinary studies, coherence acts as an indicator of how effectively from multiple fields aligns, promoting rather than fragmentation in complex problem-solving. The historical evolution of coherence traces back to its origins in 19th-century physics, where it described the phase relationships in wave phenomena like , enabling precise patterns. Philosophical roots of coherence date to the 18th and 19th centuries in the works of thinkers like Kant and Hegel, with the explicit developed in the early . By the late , the concept also appeared in , particularly in models of . This expansion highlights the broadening application from empirical descriptions in natural sciences to abstract principles in and . In the sciences, coherence enables prediction and modeling by assuming stable, consistent relationships within systems, as seen in quantum mechanics where it measures the maintenance of superposition states, allowing accurate forecasts of particle behavior over time. Similarly, in data analysis, coherence metrics evaluate the interpretability of statistical models, ensuring that derived patterns align logically with underlying datasets to support reliable inferences. In the , coherence ensures logical flow in arguments, narratives, and policies by linking ideas through pragmatic and , as in where it maintains the semantic unity of across cultural contexts. For instance, in philosophical argumentation, it promotes the mutual reinforcement of propositions, briefly exemplified in coherence theory where truth emerges from a web of consistent beliefs rather than isolated facts. In , coherent frameworks reduce contradictions in processes, fostering equitable outcomes. Key benefits of coherence include reducing by clarifying interconnections among elements, which enhances the reliability of experiments, texts, and systems across fields; for example, in scientific knowledge development, high coherence correlates with approximations of truth, minimizing interpretive errors. This reliability extends to interdisciplinary contexts, where coherent bolsters and interpretive depth without introducing extraneous inconsistencies.

Physics

Wave and optical coherence

In wave optics, coherence describes the fixed phase relationship between waves that enables predictable interference phenomena, such as constructive and destructive patterns in Young's double-slit experiment./05%3A_Interference_and_coherence/5.04%3A_Coherence) Temporal coherence refers to the persistence of this correlation over time at a fixed spatial point, determining how long remain suitable for . Spatial coherence, in contrast, measures the correlation across different points in a at a given instant, which governs the extent of the where fringes can form. Full coherence occurs when the phase difference remains indefinitely, for precise applications, while partial coherence involves gradual degradation, common in real light sources where correlations weaken with increasing separation or delay./05%3A_Interference_and_coherence/5.04%3A_Coherence) Key parameters quantify these properties: the coherence length l_c, representing the maximum path difference for observable interference, is approximated by the formula l_c = \frac{\lambda^2}{\Delta \lambda} where \lambda is the central and \Delta \lambda is the of the spectral bandwidth. This length scales inversely with spectral width, so narrower spectra yield longer coherence. The coherence time \tau_c, the duration over which phase correlations hold, follows as \tau_c = \frac{l_c}{c} with c denoting the speed of light in vacuum. These measures are fundamental for assessing a source's suitability for interferometric setups, as interference visibility drops sharply beyond l_c. Laser light demonstrates high coherence, with coherence lengths often exceeding several meters due to its narrow linewidth (typically \Delta \lambda < 0.01 nm for stabilized He-Ne lasers), allowing clear fringes over large path differences. In contrast, sunlight exhibits low coherence, with coherence lengths on the order of micrometers, arising from its broad, polychromatic spectrum spanning hundreds of nanometers from incoherent thermal emission./05%3A_Interference_and_coherence/5.04%3A_Coherence) Such high coherence in lasers enables applications like holography, where the stable phase relation between object and reference beams records detailed three-dimensional wavefronts, requiring l_c > 10 m for large-scale holograms. In spectroscopy, coherence facilitates high-resolution analysis, as in Michelson interferometers where long \tau_c resolves fine spectral features by maintaining interference over extended delays. Quantum coherence extends these concepts to microscopic scales, embodying the where quantum systems maintain phase relations between states, enabling phenomena like Rabi oscillations in atoms. In quantum optics, coherent states—minimum-uncertainty Gaussian wavepackets that mimic classical coherent light—were formalized by Glauber and defined in the number basis as |\alpha\rangle = e^{-|\alpha|^2/2} \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{\alpha^n}{\sqrt{n!}} |n\rangle, where |n\rangle are number eigenstates and \alpha is a encoding displacement in . These states, eigenstates of the annihilation operator, preserve Poissonian photon statistics and are pivotal for describing laser fields in .

Coherence in metrology

In , coherence refers to a system of units where the base units are defined such that equations between physical quantities hold in their numerical form without requiring additional dimensionless conversion factors other than unity. This ensures that derived units, formed by multiplication or division of base units, align directly with the algebraic structure of physical laws, promoting consistency and simplicity in measurements. The (SI), established as the modern standard, exemplifies this coherence by linking all units to a set of fundamental physical constants and base quantities. The historical development of coherent units traces back to earlier systems like the centimetre-gram-second (CGS) framework introduced in 1874 by the British Association for the Advancement of , which aimed for mechanical coherence but faced challenges in due to disparate electrical units. This evolved into the metre-kilogram-second (MKS) system by the late 19th century, culminating in the formal adoption of the at the 11th General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) in 1960. The defines seven base units— (length), (mass), second (time), (electric current), (temperature), (amount of substance), and (luminous intensity)—each realized through reproducible standards that maintain coherence across disciplines. The 2019 redefinition, effective from 20 May 2019, further solidified this by fixing the values of constants such as Planck's constant h = 6.62607015 \times 10^{-34} J s, the e = 1.602176634 \times 10^{-19} C, the k = 1.380649 \times 10^{-23} J/K, and the N_A = 6.02214076 \times 10^{23} mol^{-1}, eliminating artifact-based definitions and enhancing precision in quantum . Mathematically, coherence relies on dimensional homogeneity, where every term in a physical equation has the same dimension, expressible as products of base dimensions (e.g., length [L], mass [M], time [T]). For instance, the dimension of force is [M L T^{-2}], so the coherent unit (N) is defined as 1 kg m s^{-2}, ensuring equations like Newton's second law F = ma hold numerically without factors. A practical example is , V = IR, where voltage in volts (V = kg m^2 s^{-3} A^{-1}), current in amperes (A), and resistance in ohms (Ω = kg m^2 s^{-3} A^{-2}) satisfy the relation directly in SI. In contrast, incoherent systems, such as certain customary or non-rationalized units (e.g., foot-pound-second variants used historically in imperial contexts), introduce extraneous numerical factors; for , non-rationalized formulations often require multipliers like 4π in laws such as Coulomb's, complicating derivations. The advantages of coherent units include simplified calculations, reduced errors in interdisciplinary applications, and facilitation of international standardization, as seen in the SI's role in global trade and . By avoiding conversion factors, coherent systems like the SI enable seamless integration of measurements from to quantum technologies, with the 2019 redefinition particularly bolstering coherence in by anchoring units to constants, thereby supporting advancements in precise, reproducible quantum-based realizations. This framework not only streamlines theoretical work but also practical implementations, such as in laser for standards, where wave coherence in indirectly aids but does not define the unit system's structure.

Mathematics

Coherent sheaves and modules

In , a M over a R is called coherent if it is finitely generated and every finitely generated submodule of M is finitely presented as an R-. This condition ensures that short exact sequences of finitely generated submodules remain exact under certain operations, providing a notion of "exactness at infinity" that controls the complexity of resolutions. Coherent modules generalize finitely presented modules while imposing restrictions on substructures, and they play a crucial role in bounding projective dimensions in resolutions. The concept extends to sheaves in : on a (X, \mathcal{O}_X), a sheaf of \mathcal{O}_X-modules \mathcal{F} is coherent if it is of finite type (i.e., locally finitely generated) and, for every open U \subset X and of sections s_1, \dots, s_n \in \mathcal{F}(U), the of the \bigoplus_{i=1}^n \mathcal{O}_X(U) \to \mathcal{F}(U) sending the to the s_i is also of finite type. Equivalently, on a X, coherent sheaves are precisely the quasi-coherent sheaves that are locally finitely presented, making them essential in scheme theory for studying finite-type phenomena over infinite bases. Key properties include closure under finite extensions, kernels, and cokernels: in a short of sheaves, if two terms are coherent, so is the third; subsheaves of finite type in coherent sheaves are coherent. The notion of coherent sheaves was introduced by in 1955 to develop sheaf cohomology for algebraic varieties, enabling the of global sections and higher cohomology groups. proved that on a X over a field, for any \mathcal{F} and sufficiently large integer n, the cohomology groups H^i(X, \mathcal{F} \otimes \mathcal{O}_X(n)) = 0 for i > 0, a vanishing theorem central to computing dimensions of spaces of sections and proving finiteness results in . A canonical example is the structure sheaf \mathcal{O}_X on a Noetherian scheme X, which is coherent since Noetherian rings are coherent and localizations preserve the property. On the projective space \mathbb{P}^n_k over a field k, \mathcal{O}_{\mathbb{P}^n} is coherent, and twisting by \mathcal{O}(d) yields coherent sheaves whose cohomology vanishes in positive degrees for d \gg 0, illustrating Serre's theorem. In contrast, quasi-coherent sheaves include infinite direct sums of coherent ones, such as the direct sum of all line bundles on an affine scheme, which need not be coherent but capture all module-like data locally. This distinction underpins modern geometry, where coherent sheaves model bounded geometric objects amid potentially unbounded quasi-coherent ones.

Coherent topological spaces

In topology, a coherent topological space, also known as a space, is defined as a that is quasi-compact and , possessing a basis of quasi-compact open subsets that is closed under finite intersections. This structure ensures that the space admits a rich interplay between its points and the algebraic properties of its open sets, distinguishing it from more general . Unlike Hausdorff spaces, coherent spaces satisfy only the weaker , where distinct points can be separated by open sets—one containing one point but not the other—without requiring the separating opens to be disjoint. Key properties of coherent topological spaces include , which means every irreducible closed set is the of a unique point, and quasi-compactness, ensuring finite subcovers for open covers. An equivalent characterization is that the of open sets forms an algebraic where the compact elements form a distributive under intersection. These spaces are stable under certain constructions, such as forming , and their morphisms preserve the basis of compact opens. A notable property is their connection to compactification: since they are already quasi-compact, they serve as natural compactifications in contexts like ring , where the one-point compactification is trivial but more general compactifications arise in algebraic settings. For instance, the space of rational numbers with the usual is not coherent, but examples like the of the integers, Spec(ℤ), provides a non-Hausdorff coherent space where the cannot be separated from maximal ideals by disjoint opens. Applications of coherent topological spaces are prominent in for studying spaces and in , where they model the prime spectrum of commutative rings, forming the foundation of affine schemes. In , coherent spectra refer to the spectra of coherent rings—rings in which every finitely generated is finitely presented—exhibiting additional finiteness properties that facilitate cohomology computations and sheaf theory. These spaces enable the reconstruction of rings from their topological spectra, bridging point-set with . Historically, the concept was formalized by Hochster in the late , building on earlier work by Krull and others on prime ideals, with the term "spectral" or "coherent" emerging in the topological literature to distinguish it from algebraic notions like coherent rings, which emphasize finite generation of ideals. Coherent topological spaces also relate to filters through their sobriety condition, which identifies points with completely prime filters in the frame of open sets—filters such that the intersection of any collection of opens belongs to the filter some finite subcollection does. This mirrors ultrafilter convergence in more classical topologies but adapts to the non-Hausdorff setting, where convergence is determined by adherence to these prime filters rather than sequences or nets alone.

Philosophy

Coherence theory of truth

The maintains that a is true insofar as it coheres with an optimal or comprehensive system of s, where coherence involves logical and mutual explanatory support among the propositions in that system. This view stands in opposition to the theory of truth, which posits that truth consists in a proposition's accurate of an or fact. Under the coherence approach, truth is not anchored to external states of affairs but emerges from the internal relations within a belief network, such that isolated or inconsistent propositions fail to qualify as true. The theory traces its roots to British idealist philosophers, notably , who in (1893) argued that reality and truth form an interconnected whole, with apparent contradictions resolving into a systematic unity that precludes fragmentary truths. This idea was more explicitly developed by H. H. Joachim in The Nature of Truth (1906), where he contended that truth is the complete and harmonious adjustment of a to the entire body of knowledge, rejecting any notion of truth as mere agreement with isolated facts. In the twentieth century, revived and refined the theory in The Coherence Theory of Truth (1973), proposing that truth arises from coherence with the "best" available system of beliefs, one that maximizes explanatory power while minimizing contradictions. Proponents identify key criteria for coherence, including mutual support (where propositions reinforce one another through explanatory or deductive relations), comprehensiveness (encompassing as many relevant beliefs as possible without gaps), and (preserving established beliefs unless compelling reasons demand revision). However, the theory faces significant challenges, particularly the isolation problem, which questions how a purely coherent belief system connects to truth, as coherent but empirically disconnected systems—such as elaborate fictions—could mimic truth without corresponding to reality. Post-2000 analytic critiques have intensified this concern, arguing that the theory struggles to distinguish a single optimal system from multiple coherent alternatives, potentially leading to or circularity in truth ascriptions. Illustrative applications appear in legal reasoning, where juries evaluate by constructing the most coherent that integrates testimonies, documents, and circumstances into a consistent story, deeming it the probable truth. Similarly, in scientific theories, truth is assessed by how well a coheres with existing empirical , auxiliary assumptions, and predictive successes, as seen in the evaluation of explanatory models that unify disparate observations into a non-ad hoc .

Coherentism in epistemology

Coherentism in is a theory of epistemic justification according to which a is justified insofar as it coheres with other beliefs within a comprehensive system, emphasizing mutual support rather than derivation from self-evident as in . This approach views justification as emerging from the holistic interdependence of beliefs, where no single belief serves as an ultimate ground, but instead, the entire network provides reinforcement through relations of logical consistency, , and probabilistic support. In contrast to , which posits a linear structure of basic beliefs supporting derived ones, coherentism rejects such hierarchy, treating all beliefs as potentially revisable parts of an interconnected web. Key features of coherentism include its holistic nature and its strategy for addressing the epistemic regress problem. Holism implies that justification is a property of the system as a whole, not isolated elements, allowing for the mutual adjustment of beliefs to maximize overall coherence. The regress argument, which challenges linear theories by noting that justification chains lead to either an , arbitrary termination, or vicious circularity, is resolved in coherentism through a virtuous form of circularity: beliefs justify one another reciprocally within the system, avoiding infinite chains without relying on unfounded basics. This perspective was prominently articulated by W.V. Quine and J.S. Ullian in their 1970 work The Web of Belief, which portrays as a flexible web where beliefs are evaluated and revised based on their fit within the larger structure, influenced by and logical relations. Despite its appeal, coherentism faces significant criticisms, notably the bootstrapping problem, which highlights risks of wherein an unjustified can gain apparent justification merely by cohering with itself or a , potentially allowing unreliable beliefs to self-reinforce without external validation. Proponents like Laurence BonJour have countered such objections by emphasizing that coherence must include responsiveness to , ensuring the system remains anchored to , though debates persist on whether this fully mitigates circularity concerns. Coherentism finds applications beyond general epistemology, such as in through the development of coherent moral systems via , where moral judgments are justified by their alignment with principles and considered intuitions, as advanced by . In science, it informs understandings of shifts and choice, where scientific beliefs are justified holistically through their coherence within evolving frameworks, echoing Quine's emphasis on the of by data and the need for systemic adjustment. Distinct from the , which defines truth in terms of systemic consistency, coherentism addresses only the conditions for justified belief, not the nature of truth itself.

Linguistics

Textual coherence

Textual coherence refers to the semantic unity of a text, achieved through implicit logical relations that enable readers to interpret it as a meaningful whole, in contrast to , which relies on explicit grammatical and lexical links. This unity arises from the continuity of senses among concepts and relations in the text, allowing mutual access and within a shared configuration of ideas. Key mechanisms include , where readers deduce unstated connections based on contextual knowledge; , which activates shared background assumptions to link propositions; and topic continuity, which sustains focus on central entities or themes across sentences. Halliday and Hasan's model (1976) frames these within texture, emphasizing how cohesive patterns facilitate inferential coherence, though they distinguish it as a broader semantic property emerging from reader-text interaction. De Beaugrande and Dressler (1981) further integrate coherence as one of seven standards of , highlighting its role in dynamic sense-making through and situation management. Examples of textual coherence appear in paragraph progression, such as elaboration, where a sentence expands a prior idea (e.g., "Birds migrate south in winter. This behavior ensures survival in harsh conditions."), or , which juxtaposes differences for clarity (e.g., "Birds migrate south in winter, whereas some mammals hibernate."). In computational (), coherence is analyzed via models like the entity-grid approach, which represents texts as grids tracking salience and transitions to quantify local unity, demonstrating higher coherence in well-structured essays compared to incoherent ones. The concept developed in the 1970s amid and , building on structuralist foundations to address beyond-sentence meaning, with seminal works like Halliday and Hasan's Cohesion in English (1976) linking surface ties to deeper interpretability. It has applications in , where and topic chains improves EFL writing coherence, reducing disjointedness in student essays. In AI text generation, post-2020 advances leverage large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4o to assess and enhance global coherence, outperforming traditional metrics in evaluating flow; more recent work as of 2025 includes joint modeling of entities and discourse relations using LLMs for improved coherence scoring.

Coherence in discourse

Coherence in refers to the of shared understanding among participants across multiple turns in or , ensuring that interactions remain meaningful and purposeful despite potential ambiguities or disruptions. Unlike static textual structures, discourse coherence emerges dynamically through collaborative processes where speakers and listeners co-construct meaning in . This involves establishing and updating a mutual that allows inferences to bridge gaps between utterances, fostering a unified interpretive . Central to discourse coherence are key elements such as common ground, repair mechanisms, and Gricean implicatures. Common ground encompasses the mutually known beliefs, knowledge, and assumptions shared by interlocutors, which serves as the foundation for interpreting contributions and resolving uncertainties. Repair mechanisms, including self-initiated or other-initiated clarifications, enable participants to detect and address troubles in speaking, hearing, or understanding, thereby restoring alignment. For instance, a speaker might rephrase an utterance following a listener's query to realign the shared context. Gricean implicatures, derived from the cooperative principle and its maxims of quantity, quality, relation, and manner, further support coherence by allowing listeners to infer unstated intentions, such as relevance or specificity, assuming rational collaboration. Classic examples of discourse coherence appear in , pioneered by Sacks, Schegloff, and in their seminal work on organization, which demonstrates how sequential structures maintain topical continuity and prevent overlap or breakdown. In clinical contexts, coherence breakdowns are evident in disorders like , where individuals produce with reduced global coherence, such as off-topic shifts or non-specific references, impairing the overall unity and listener . These examples highlight how coherence relies on interactive sequencing rather than isolated units. Applications of discourse coherence extend to , where it informs models of how implicatures and repairs sustain communicative goals in everyday interactions, and to human-computer interaction (HCI), where discourse-based systems simulate common ground to enable natural dialogue in conversational agents; recent advances as of 2024 include unsupervised methods for extracting coherence-based discourse structures in dialogues. variations further illustrate its adaptability; for example, high-context cultures may rely more on implicit common ground and fewer explicit repairs compared to low-context ones, affecting how coherence is negotiated in multicultural exchanges. In contrast to textual coherence, which provides a foundational static for monologic narratives, discourse coherence is inherently interactive and responsive to participant dynamics.

Computer science

Cache coherence

Cache coherence is a in multiprocessor systems designed to ensure that all s maintain a uniform view of stored in multiple local s, preventing inconsistencies that could arise when multiple s hold copies of the same block. This uniformity is achieved through protocols that enforce the single-writer-multiple-reader (SWMR) , where at most one can modify a block at a time while multiple s can read it, along with the data-value that guarantees reads return the most recent write value. Without such s, a might read stale from its local even after another has updated the location, leading to incorrect program execution in parallel environments. The concept of cache coherence emerged in the 1980s alongside the development of shared-memory multiprocessor systems, building on foundational work in memory consistency models such as Lamport's from 1979. Early implementations addressed challenges in systems with private caches connected via a shared bus, where (DMA) devices and multiple processors could alter data visibility. By the mid-1980s, protocols like those in the IEEE Futurebus specification formalized coherence for bus-based architectures, enabling scalable shared-memory designs in commercial systems. Common cache coherence protocols include the , which uses three states for each cache block: Modified (M) for a uniquely held dirty block that differs from main memory; Shared (S) for clean blocks potentially held by multiple caches; and Invalid (I) for blocks not currently valid in the cache. The extends MSI by adding an Exclusive (E) state, which indicates a clean block held uniquely and allows efficient upgrades to Modified on writes without bus notifications, reducing traffic in write-back caches. These invalidate-based protocols, where writes invalidate other copies, are widely adopted for their simplicity in ensuring coherence through atomic bus transactions. Coherence protocols are implemented via two primary approaches: snooping, where caches monitor (snoop) a shared bus for broadcast requests and respond accordingly to maintain transitions; and -based, where a centralized or distributed tracks the location and of cache blocks, using point-to-point messages to notify holders of changes. Snooping protocols, often paired with or MESI, provide total ordering through the bus but scale poorly beyond small core counts due to broadcast overhead. protocols, which avoid broadcasts by querying the for sharer , support larger systems but introduce additional from multi-hop messaging. In multi-core CPUs, cache coherence faces significant scalability challenges, particularly as core counts increase, leading to higher contention on interconnects and memory bandwidth saturation from coherence traffic. For instance, in Intel architectures like Xeon processors, the MESIF protocol—an extension of MESI adding a Forward (F) state for efficient sharing of unmodified data—manages coherence across cores and sockets using a combination of snooping and directory mechanisms. Similarly, ARM architectures, such as those in Cortex-A series processors, typically employ the MOESI protocol, which includes an Owned (O) state to allow direct transfer of dirty data between caches without immediate write-back to memory, enhancing efficiency in multi-cluster systems while addressing coherency across heterogeneous cores. These protocols introduce bandwidth overhead from coherence messages; for example, snooping requires two messages per transaction (request and response), while directory-based approaches often need three, with invalidate protocols generally consuming less traffic than update-based alternatives in shared-memory systems. In practice, this overhead can saturate interconnect bandwidth.

Coherence in parallel processing

In parallel processing, coherence refers to the mechanisms that ensure shared data and operations maintain consistency and appear atomic and sequentially ordered across multiple processors or nodes in a distributed system, preventing anomalies such as race conditions or inconsistent views of data updates. This concept is fundamental to achieving correct execution in concurrent environments, where processors may access shared memory or resources asynchronously, by imposing logical ordering on operations without necessarily requiring strict physical synchronization. Key models of coherence in include , introduced by in 1979, which guarantees that the result of any execution is the same as if operations occurred in some sequential order consistent with each processor's program order. , proposed by Maurice Herlihy and in 1990, extends this by requiring that operations appear to take effect instantaneously at some point between their invocation and response, providing a stronger ordering for concurrent objects. Weaker models, such as , relax these guarantees to improve by only preserving the order of causally related operations while allowing non-causal ones to be reordered, as formalized in works on session guarantees for distributed systems. Examples of coherence in practice appear in frameworks like , where distributed tasks on clusters must maintain coherent views of intermediate data to ensure fault-tolerant aggregation, balancing with the performance costs of overheads. In GPU computing, coherence models synchronize thread blocks accessing , trading off for correctness in parallel kernels, as seen in NVIDIA's programming model where explicit barriers enforce ordering at the cost of reduced parallelism. These examples highlight the inherent trade-offs: stronger coherence enhances reliability but increases and limits in high-throughput environments. Applications extend to big data systems like , which employs the Hadoop Distributed (HDFS) with a simple coherency model based on write-once-read-many access for files, ensuring data replication across nodes for reliable processing of petabyte-scale datasets through rack-aware block placement. is further supported via coherent checkpoints, where parallel applications capture synchronized global states periodically to enable recovery from failures without data loss, a technique refined in systems like MPI for clusters. The evolution of coherence models traces back to the 1970s with early multiprocessor systems addressing shared-memory , progressing through the 1980s and 1990s with formalizations amid the rise of (), and into modern where weaker models dominate to support elastic, geo-distributed architectures like those in . This shift reflects a broader trend toward tunable , prioritizing availability and partition tolerance per the , while still drawing on foundational principles for verifiable correctness.

Other fields

Signal processing

In signal processing, coherence serves as a statistical measure of the linear correlation between two signals as a function of frequency. The magnitude-squared coherence function, denoted \gamma_{xy}^2(f), between input signal x(t) and output signal y(t) is given by \gamma_{xy}^2(f) = \frac{|S_{xy}(f)|^2}{S_{xx}(f) S_{yy}(f)}, where S_{xy}(f) represents the cross-power spectral density, and S_{xx}(f) and S_{yy}(f) are the auto-power spectral densities of the respective signals. This normalized quantity arises from the expected values of the Fourier transforms of the signals under stationary assumptions. The value of \gamma_{xy}^2(f) ranges from 0, indicating no linear at frequency f, to 1, signifying a perfect linear relationship where the output is fully predictable from the input. It is particularly valuable in , where high coherence confirms that the assumed linear model accurately captures the input-output dynamics, while low values suggest noise, non-linearities, or extraneous influences. For instance, in function estimation, coherence exceeding 0.8 often validates the measurement reliability. The coherence function was developed in the mid-20th century amid advances in analysis and , with foundational work by Julius S. Bendat in the 1950s and 1960s to quantify errors in estimates from noisy . Bendat's 1958 Principles and Applications of Random Theory laid the groundwork, and his later collaborations, such as with Allan G. Piersol in Random : Analysis and Measurement Procedures (1971), formalized its role in applications like studies. This approach, distinct from deterministic wave coherence in physics, focuses on processes and has been refined in texts like Jenkins and Watts' and Its Applications (1968). Key applications include noise analysis, where coherence identifies correlated sources in environments like acoustic testing, and vibration testing, such as of structures to isolate resonant responses from measurement artifacts. For example, in automotive noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) evaluation, partial coherence techniques disentangle contributions from multiple paths, like tire-road interaction versus mounts. Extensions to higher-order coherence incorporate n-point correlations via polyspectra, such as the for quadratic non-linearities, enabling analysis of non-Gaussian signals in fields like biomedical where second-order measures fail. These higher-order functions, pioneered in the 1980s by researchers like Chrysostomos Nikias, suppress and reveal phase couplings in complex systems.

Psychology and law

In psychology, coherence refers to the integration of personal experiences into a consistent and non-contradictory self-narrative, particularly through the maintenance of a coherent across diverse contexts. A coherent self-concept involves an organized system of self-knowledge that preserves positivity and consistency while incorporating social feedback, as demonstrated by studies showing neural mechanisms that track trait relationships to avoid fragmentation. This coherence is crucial for psychological , with indicating that individuals with higher autobiographical coherence report lower depressive symptoms and better emotional regulation. , pioneered by and David Epston in their 1990 work, facilitates this by helping clients reconstruct fragmented stories—especially those involving —into unified narratives that externalize problems and promote integration, thereby reducing psychological distress. Cognitive dissonance exemplifies the drive for coherence, where conflicting beliefs or behaviors create psychological tension that motivates resolution toward consistency, as outlined in Leon Festinger's seminal 1957 theory. Individuals reduce dissonance by altering cognitions or behaviors to restore internal harmony, a process that underscores coherence as a fundamental motivator in and . In legal contexts, coherence manifests in policy-making and judicial practice to ensure non-contradictory frameworks. For instance, the European Union's policy coherence for development (), enshrined in Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, mandates that all policies impacting developing countries align with , such as through impact assessments in trade and climate initiatives to avoid unintended harms like economic disruptions from carbon border taxes. Judicial coherence is upheld through the doctrine of stare decisis, which binds courts to respect prior precedents, fostering predictability and consistency in legal interpretations while balancing reliance interests to prevent arbitrary shifts. Incoherent legislation, such as EU trade agreements that fail to fully support in partner countries, often leads to legal challenges and policy revisions to restore alignment. Applications of coherence extend to and emerging . In forensic settings, the reliability of statements is assessed via to the best , where coherence—such as among multiple accounts with case facts—serves as a key indicator of , though it must be weighed against alternatives like to avoid miscarriages of . Post-2020, has emphasized coherent decision systems by embedding organizational values like fairness and into frameworks, moving beyond rigid principles to ensure consistent ethical outcomes in automated processes, as seen in guidelines promoting stakeholder-aligned to mitigate biases.

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