Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Logically consistent within itself; not containing internal contradictions: A self-consistent argument, theory, or system is one where all its parts agree with each other and do not conflict. It maintains internal coherence.

Usage

The adjective self-consistent is used to describe ideas, narratives, arguments, or systems that are internally logical and free from contradictions. It emphasizes that the subject's own components or premises do not conflict with one another. - It is often used in academic, scientific, and philosophical contexts to evaluate the soundness of a theory or model. - It can describe a person's statements or beliefs over time, indicating they do not contradict themselves.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • A good scientific theory must be self-consistent; its predictions cannot contradict its own assumptions.
  • Her alibi was self-consistent and held up under police questioning.
  • The author created a complex but self-consistent fantasy world with its own rules of magic.

Advanced Usage

• "self-consistent field": A term in theoretical physics (e.g., the Hartree-Fock method) referring to a model where particles move in a potential field generated self-consistently by all other particles.
  • The calculations used a self-consistent field approximation to solve the multi-electron problem.

Variants and Related Words

• Self-consistency (noun): The quality or state of being self-consistent.
  • The self-consistency of the mathematical proof was verified by a panel of experts.

Synonyms

• Coherent: Logical and consistent; forming a unified whole.
• Non-contradictory: Not containing opposing or conflicting elements.
• Internally consistent: Consistent within its own set of rules or premises.

Antonyms

• Self-contradictory: Containing elements that contradict each other.
• Incoherent: Lacking logical connection or clarity; not consistent.
• Paradoxical: Seemingly self-contradictory or opposed to common sense.

Adjective

1. not self-contradictory