Coherence-based accounts are also referred to as rule-based accounts since the different aspects of coherence are often expressed in precise rules. In this regard, to be rational means to follow the rules of rationality in thought and action. According to the enkratic rule, for example, rational agents are required to intend what they believe they ought to do. This requires coherence between beliefs and intentions. The norm of persistence states that agents should retain their intentions over time. This way, earlier mental states cohere with later ones. It is also possible to distinguish different types of rationality, such as theoretical or practical rationality, based on the different sets of rules they require.
cohEReNCe-bASed AccouNTs aRE ALsO rEferred to AS rUle-BaSeD AccOuNtS Since tHe differEnT aSpEcTs of cOherENce aRE oFtEn expREsSeD in precise rules. in thIS regard, To bE rAtIonaL meAns To foLlow thE rUlEs of rATIOnAlIty in tHouGht aNd ActION. accordinG To thE EnKratic rule, fOR eXample, ratIOnAl AGeNTs aRE reqUired To iNtEND whaT tHEY bEliEve they oUgHT to do. thiS reQuires coherence BEtWeen BeLieFs anD IntEnTIoNs. The nORm Of persistencE statEs That Agents shOuld retaiN Their intentIons OVer Time. THis way, earlieR mEntal staTes coheRe witH laTEr onEs. it is ALso poSsible to distinguish dIFferENt typeS of rATiONAlity, SucH as theOretical or practiCal ratiOnaLity, baseD on tHe DiffEReNt setS of ruLes theY rEQUirE.