Epistemological justification is divided between foundationalism, which relies on basic self-evident beliefs, and coherentism, which holds that beliefs are justified by fitting together.

Foundationalists argue that our knowledge rests on a base of self-evident truths that need no further proof. Coherentists disagree, comparing knowledge to a web where beliefs support each other. If a new belief fits neatly with everything else we believe, it is justified.