SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " eagle " 1,487 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Lane Johnson’s heartfelt announcement closes an unforgettable Eagles chapter
Lane Johnson retired from the Eagles after 14 seasons, citing mental health and family priorities over continuing to play football.
Philadelphia Eagles great Lane Johnson abruptly retires citing ‘mental health’
The six-time Pro Bowl right tackle says he is stepping away after 14 seasons to focus on his mental health and spend more time with his family
NFL world reacts to Lane Johnson announcing his retirement
We're examining the social media reaction to Eagles All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson announcing his retirement after 14 NFL season
Lane Johnson announces retirement from Eagles after stepping away for mental health
The East Texas native exits two days after missing a loss to the Rams.
Lane Johnson announces retirement from Eagles, citing the need to focus on mental health
Johnson, 36, retires as a two-time Super Bowl champion with two first-team All-Pro honors.
Eagles All-Pro RT Lane Johnson reties, ending 14-season NFL career
Eagles two-time All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson announced his retirement Tuesday, ending a 14-year career spent entirely in Philadelphia.
Why Eagles should really be concerned about missing NFL playoffs
This concern for the Eagles is not overblown at all.
Eagles Star RB Saquon Barkley Receives Major Injury Update
Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley will miss some time with a hamstring injury.
Jalen Hurts, Eagles' Offense Get Ripped by ESPN
Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles' offense are struggling right now.
Saquon Barkley Injury Update: Eagles RB’s Hamstring Timeline Revealed
Saquon Barkley suffered a hamstring injury against the Los Angeles Rams, and it could be a few weeks before we see the superstar running back on the field. Originally entering the league as the second-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Penn State product hit the ground running, recording 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns …
Roob's Eagles Stats: How bad was that loss? All the shocking numbers are here
The stats aren’t pretty for the Eagles after their loss to the Rams.
NFL suspends official Jeff Seeman for two games for swearing at Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride
The NFL suspended two officials for separate incidents on Sunday, including Jeff Seeman after he was caught swearing at Arizonas Trey McBride; watch the second NFL London game of the season between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles at 2.30pm Sunday, live on Sky Sports
McVay wants cleaner football from Rams after comeback win over Eagles
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.
Eagles flying to London for game vs. Jaguars on Friday, leaving little time to adjust after Rams' issues in Australia
Eagles Run Game Continues to Be An Issue, and There Are Many Reasons Why
Something has to change.
Lane Johnson update: Eagles have no timetable for his return
Nick Sirianni had no update on Lane Johnson, leaving the Eagles tackle’s status uncertain before their Week 5 trip to London
Tank Bigsby injury: Eagles running back to injured reserve
Philadelphia’s backfield depth is being tested.
Eagles address uncertainty surrounding missing star
Will Eagles star return? Team is keeping quiet.
NFL Star Tyreek Hill Gets Big Update After Eagles Suggestion
A top NFL free-agent wide receiver, Tyreek Hill, is expected to find a new team soon, according to ESPN. As Hill fully recovers from the setback he suffered last season, the speedy wide receiver’s agent made it clear that he will likely find a new team in the coming days. Recently, the Eagles were pegged […] The post NFL Star Tyreek Hill Gets Big Update After Eagles Suggestion appeared first on HEAVY.
Watch Sirianni presser after Week 4 loss to Rams
Watch Nick Sirianni as he answers questions about the Eagles’ Week 4 loss to the Rams at the Linc.
Saquon Barkley injury update is encouraging news for Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles may not be forced to compete without their star running back for long.
Saquon Barkley injury update: Latest on Eagles star running back
Saquon Barkley has undergone testing on his injured hamstring as the Eagles prepare to face Jacksonville in London
Eagles’ 14-Year NFL Veteran Gets Honest On ‘Overwhelming’ Start
Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams served as the second game for Zach Ertz’s second stint with the Philadelphia Eagles. It was the first time Ertz donned Eagles green at home in South Philly in years. As expected, there was a lot of love shown to Ertz when he scooped up his first catch […] The post Eagles’ 14-Year NFL Veteran Gets Honest On ‘Overwhelming’ Start appeared first on HEAVY.
NFL winners and losers: Nick Sirianni sucks
The Eagles are in trouble, and one man is to blame.
Jaguars vs. Eagles odds: Opening lines for Week 5 matchup
Sportsbooks project the Jaguars to beat the Eagles next week!
Eagles Fans Hurl Projectiles at Rams Coaches in Ugly Altercation
The Philadelphia Eagles blew a 20-10 fourth-quarter lead to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4.That alone would be reason enough for Eagles fans to lose their minds. However, according to one person in the stands, there was another reason why Philly fans blew their lid during Sunday’s 24-20 loss.X user @RBPhillyTake posted a video […] The post Eagles Fans Hurl Projectiles at Rams Coaches in Ugly Altercation appeared first on HEAVY.
Eagles vs. Jaguars odds: Opening lines for Week 5 matchup
Which bet do you like more?
Eagles: Brandon Graham Makes Curious Retirement Comment on Lane Johnson
Hours before the Philadelphia Eagles were set to play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, right tackle Lane Johnson was added to the injury report for a personal reason. Johnson, 36, has won two Super Bowls with the Eagles, made six Pro Bowl appearances, and earned All-Pro honors five times. It’s unclear when the 2013 […] The post Eagles: Brandon Graham Makes Curious Retirement Comment on Lane Johnson appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
Philadelphia Eagles' Offense Sputters in Week 4 Loss to Rams
The Philadelphia Eagles' offense struggled in Week 4 in their loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Jalen Hurts Repeats Honest Analysis Of Eagles’ Loss vs Rams
Week 4 was another bad showing for the Philadelphia Eagles‘ offense. While they managed to add more points to the board after putting up just seven points in Week 3 against the Chicago Bears, the Eagles slightly improved their performance while shorthanded, putting up 20 points against the Rams. Still, it wasn’t enough. At the […] The post Jalen Hurts Repeats Honest Analysis Of Eagles’ Loss vs Rams appeared first on HEAVY.
Rams Stun Eagles With Wild Comeback to Avenge 2025 Heartbreak
The Rams pulled off a dramatic come-from-behind win against the Eagles, avenging their heartbreaking 2025 loss. The post Rams Stun Eagles With Wild Comeback to Avenge 2025 Heartbreak appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Eagles vs. Rams: The good, the bad, and the ugly
Highlights and lowlights from Philadelphia’s Week 4 loss.
Tom Brady owns up to awkward FOX Sports mistake during Eagles-Rams broadcast
During a FOX Sports NFL broadcast, Tom Brady accidentally muted his own headset by dropping a research board on his talkback button, causing a brief communication disruption in the booth.
Eagles fans react to new parking and tailgating rules
The Philadelphia Eagles announced new parking and tailgating rules, and some fans are not on board.
Eagles' Saquon Barkley Ruled Out With Hamstring Injury Against Rams
Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley exited with a hamstring injury in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Saquon Barkley downgraded to out
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was downgraded from questionable to out in the first half of Week 4
Ben Johnson’s Calm Logic Keeps Overriding the Noise
Most coaches would have just stuck with Case Keenum. After a near-perfect Monday Night Football performance — 247 yards, three total touchdowns, and a 27-7 win over the previously unbeaten Eagles in his first start in more than 1,000 days — riding the hot hand felt like the obvious move. Ben Johnson didn’t make it […] The post Ben Johnson’s Calm Logic Keeps Overriding the Noise appeared first on HEAVY.
Eagles vs. Rams Week 4 game thread
The Eagles will face the Rams in Week 4 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Rams' Colby Parkinson Out, Full Inactives List for Eagles Showdown
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson is officially out against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Lane Johnson update: Eagles tackle suddenly questionable for Week 4
The Eagles could be without their All Pro right tackle against the Rams in Week 4.
New York Jets Flight Connections 10/04/26
Happy game day, Jets fans! The Jets look to improve their record to 2-2 today. Their opponent is the Chicago Bears. The Bears are coming off a big Monday night win over the Philadelphia Eagles with third string quarterback Case Keenum. However, reports suggest that Keenum will not make the start for the Bears. Instead, […]
INSIGHT KANSAS: The Political Storm of 2026
Mark R. Joslyn. Courtesy photo By MARK R. JOSLYNInsight KansasWill Kan
Business Weekly Agenda for October 4
Events for the Greater Berks business community.
Where to watch Eagles vs. Rams today: Channel, live stream, time, TV schedule for Week 4 NFL game
Here is everything you need to know about Eagles vs. Rams, including TV and streaming options for the game.
Kansas candle-making business accused of fraud to get a loan
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging a Kansas woman for allegedly submitting fic
Philly elevating a pair of tight ends
The Philadelphia Eagles elevated two tight ends for game against Rams
Eagles rookie storylines for the Rams game
Keeping an eye on Philadelphia’s 2026 NFL Draft picks.
Eagles elevate Zach Ertz, Josiah Deguara
The Eagles added a pair of tight ends to the roster for Sunday's game against the Rams.
Eagles roster news: 2 moves announced ahead of Rams game
Week 4 updates.
Eagles Star Given Strong Prediction Entering Rams Week 4 Game
One of the stars of the Philadelphia Eagles has been given a strong prediction entering the team's game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Ex-Philadelphia Eagles Star Named NFL’s Top Trade Candidate
Ex-Philadelphia Eagles star and Super Bowl champion named NFL's top trade candidate by ESPN. The post Ex-Philadelphia Eagles Star Named NFL’s Top Trade Candidate appeared first on HEAVY.
Eagles get concerning multi-week DeVonta Smith injury update
This injury update for the Eagles' WR is not good news at all.
Rams’ plan for Puka Nacua revealed ahead of Eagles game
Puka Nacua will return for Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles, but Los Angeles may limit his workload.
Eagles legend Don Henley puts big money into turning Texas blue
The Texas native is top donor to several statewide Democratic candidates and a major player in super PACs helping James Talarico.
Eagles Rule Out DeVonta Smith, Zack Baun for Game vs. Rams
Philadelphia will be down a couple of key contributors for an important game.
Photos | Redwood Coast Music Festival fills Eureka with listening entertainment through weekend
Venues include the Sequoia Conference Center, Veterans Memorial Building, Adorni Center, Eagle House, Red Lion Hotel, Eureka Theater and the Morris Graves Museum.
Jackie tribute video celebrates bald eagle's wonderous life
'Deeply loved and forever missed.'
Aaron Donald officially OUT for Eagles-Rams in Week 4
Philadelphia’s offense got some good news as they prepare for Sunday’s game against the Rams.
Eagles Given Intriguing Prediction For Trade Deadline This Season
The Philadelphia Eagles were given an interesting prediction for the upcoming trade deadline.
Eagles opposing player to stop, Week 4 edition
Philadelphia must get after the Rams’ quarterback.
Area Events & Entertainment Community Calendar
Oct. 1 - Veterans Coffee & Conversation at the Eagles Club - begins at 10 a.m. Oct. 1 - Karaoke at Hy-Da Way at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 1 - Bingo at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School Oct. 2 - Merrill’s …
Eagles’ 10-Year NFL Veteran Makes Change Before Rams Game
Kicking off a new week, the Philadelphia Eagles elevated one of their practice squad players to join the active roster. The safety Kenny Moore is getting more than just a role change with the Eagles ahead of Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. According to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Dave Zangaro, Moore is changing his […] The post Eagles’ 10-Year NFL Veteran Makes Change Before Rams Game appeared first on HEAVY.
In brief: 'Reacher' spinoff gets a second season and more
We’ve got an official trailer for NBC’s Newlyweds, the new sitcom starring real-life married couple Tim Daly and Téa Leoni. The show, co-created by Jamie Lee Curtis, follows a later-in-life love story between a free-spirited woman and a professor who marry after a quick courtship. It premieres on Oct. 23 …The Reacher spinoff Neagley is getting a second season, just two weeks after the first season debuted on Prime Video. Maria Sten stars as the fan-favorite character Frances Neagley, a private investigator from Chicago and the former protégé of Jack Reacher, in the action series. The original Reacher series, starring Alan Ritchson, was picked up for a sixth season earlier this week … TNCMS.AdManager.render({region: 'fixed-big-ad-top-asset', slot: 1, fold: "above"}); Bradley Cooper is gearing up to star in Paramount’s new G.I. Joe film. He’ll be playing Duke, the leader of the Joes. Danny McBride is on board to direct. Further details on the project have not yet been revealed …Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Thank you for reading kmaland.comAt KMA, we attempt to be accurate in our reporting. If you see a typo or mistake in a story, please contact us by emailing kmaradio@kmaland.com.
Eagles' Jalen Hurts Seemingly Places Blame on New Offensive System
Hurts has a fair point, but the team needs to be better.
Eagles-Rams matchups to watch in Week 4
Here are some key matchups to watch when the Eagles host the Rams in Week 4 on Sunday afternoon.
Eagles Star Assigns Blame For Busted Play vs Bears
Outside of Quinyon Mitchell, the Philadelphia Eagles’ secondary had a rough night against the Chicago Bears in Week 3. Despite facing a third-string quarterback in Case Keenum, the Eagles didn’t have any answers to the Bears’ passing game. The result? Giving up 247 yards and two touchdowns through the air. The Bears scored 27 points […] The post Eagles Star Assigns Blame For Busted Play vs Bears appeared first on HEAVY.
Eagles Delivered Brutal DeVonta Smith Update Before Rams Game
Going into a tough matchup against the Los Angeles Rams this weekend, the Philadelphia Eagles have a loaded injury report. The wide receiver DeVonta Smith is a headliner. For the second straight week, Smith is dealing with a hamstring injury. On Wednesday, the Eagles had a walkthrough, but estimated that Smith would not practice at […] The post Eagles Delivered Brutal DeVonta Smith Update Before Rams Game appeared first on HEAVY.
Jalen Hurts Illegal Hit Defended by Bears Teammate
The illegal hit on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts by D'Marco Jackson has been defended by his teammate Jahdae Walker. The post Jalen Hurts Illegal Hit Defended by Bears Teammate appeared first on HEAVY.
Pat McAfee goes on wild tirade after exchange with Jason Kelce on ‘MNF’: ‘I hope you all rot’
Pat McAfee aggressively shouted down fans sticking up for former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce after McAfee playfully scolded him for using the pronoun ‘we’ when discussing the team.
2026 Western & Southcentral Region Fall Meetings: A Summary of Business
FRA 2026 Western Region Fall Meeting September 16–18, 2026 | Eagle Crest Resort, Redmond, Oregon The Forest Resources Association Western Region gathered September 16–18 at Eagle Crest Resort in…
Ten bucks says you’ll love this community science project
Today marks the first day of Rut Watch 2026 With another season of Deer Spy in the books thanks to community scientists like you, biologists are now on a mission to pinpoint the peak of the white-tailed deer breeding season in Maine. Every observation of deer breeding behavior and sign helps define the timing of the rut, and this project uses the power of community science to collect deer data all fall long. Hunters, hikers, and wildlife watchers - Rut Watch pairs well with any outdoor adventure you have planned this season. It’s a perfect excuse to slow down and connect with nature as you look for clues. So get outside, rack up that deer data and submit rut reports from now through December 1. The online form is science made simple: Location Date and time Breeding behavior observed Submit a Rut Report What to watch for Active Breeding The most obvious breeding behavior to observe is a buck mounting a doe, but that is a rare sight as it only lasts a moment. You are more likely to witness a buck “tending” a doe, following closely, chasing, nuzzling, or pawing at her rump until she is receptive. Sparring After bucks shed their velvet, sparring helps sort out who is who in the dominance hierarchy. Early season matches are often less intense than later season matches between similar sized bucks. Most sparring is complete by the time breeding begins. Rubs Don’t just look for deer, pay attention to the trees. Rubs are marks made by bucks when they rub their antlers on trees, removing bark and leaving their scent calling card in the process. Scrapes Look to the forest floor for this sign of breeding season behavior. Scrapes consist of two parts - a licking branch, and a patch of cleared earth. Bucks break a low branch around head height, then paw at the leaves below to expose the dirt. Covered in scent, a scrape tells does and other bucks, “I’m here!” Learn More More information What’s next for deer community science: Northern Maine Wintering Deer Survey Other active community science projects: Fish Tag Reporting Maine Golden Eagle Study Maine Amphibian & Reptile Atlas Project Maine Deer Management: Maine’s Big Game Management Plan Game Species Conservation & Management Report The Benefits of Hunting: Supporting Wildlife, Conservation, and Community Subscribe Share Leave a comment
Prime Video Orders Second Season of Reacher Spinoff Neagley
Prime Video has renewed Neagley for a second season after the Reacher spinoff drew 40 million viewers in its first 13 days, Amazon said.
Vic Fangio talks about the Eagles’ plan at safety
The Eagles DC talks lack of turnovers and sacks, what’s happening with the secondary, and more.
Reading Science Center to celebrate expanded exhibit space with free community event
New space offers more opportunities to explore, experiment and interact with science, officials said.
Good science requires much more than evidence
Empiricists believe that scientific theories are true only if they make correct empirical predictions: if we can't verify these predictions, then there is no reason to expect that they tell us anything about reality. However, Professor of Philosophy at King's College David Kyle Johnson argues that this is mistaken. In response to Bas van Fraassen, who has written on this subject for the IAI, he argues that we have many reasons for believing a theory to be true, such as it being parsimonious and having large scope — qualities which have been used throughout the history of science as criteria for judging theories. In 2024, Princeton philosopher Bas van Fraassen wrote a short article for IAI News entitled “Science Does not Describe Reality: The Limits and Benefits of Explanation.” At the time, I was working on two projects (a science book and a Great Course) that, when completed, would (among other things) defend science’s ability to describe reality. I wanted to write a response to van Fraassen, but the projects demanded too much of my attention. But now that those projects are complete, I am in a position to explain the objections to van Fraassen’s thesis. Summarizing van Fraassen’s argumentIn a nutshell, his argument is this: What scientists do is make predictions based on theories and then invite others to test to see whether those predictions are borne out. “If theory T is right, result R should happen in experimental condition C.” Many think that running an experiment that shows that R happens in condition C is proof that theory T is true (and should be believed). But, van Fraassen argues, that R happened in condition C is only a reason to think that R happens in condition C. That’s the only observable, or empirical, result we can actually see, so that is all that we are really justified in believing. (The underlying theory that made that prediction still may or may not be true.) That is why he calls those who accept his position “empiricists.”Before I explain what is wrong with this position, let me explain what it gets right. What van Fraassen Gets RightFirst, a theory correctly predicting the results of an experiment is not, strictly speaking, “proof” that the theory is correct. The basic line of reasoning is this:If the theory T is true, result R should happen. Result R did happen. Thus, theory T is true.In other words:“If T then R. R. Thus, T.”This is a deductively invalid, fallacious mode of reasoning, called “affirming the consequent.” Those premises do not guarantee that the conclusion follows. “If I am in Pennsylvania, then I am in the USA. I am in the USA. Thus, I am in Pennsylvania.” Clearly that argument doesn’t guarantee its conclusion; neither does the above argument.However, science is not a deductive method of reasoning; it is an inductive one. And inductive arguments merely try to raise the probability of their conclusion, not “prove” them for certain. Thus, the fact that an experimental result doesn’t prove a theory is true is irrelevant; it’s not supposed to. That is not what scientific reasoning is about.___If the hypothesis that something exists clearly provides the best explanation for what we can observe, then the belief that it exists is what is rational.___Second, it’s also true that a single experimental result doesn’t provide enough justification to believe that a theory is true. Scientists do not come to a consensus about whether a theory is true by looking at a single experiment; they look at all the evidence to determine where the preponderance of evidence points. The mere fact that I am in the USA raises the probability that I am in Pennsylvania, but not nearly enough to conclude that I am in Pennsylvania. However, if I am also regularly encountering people wearing Eagles and Phillies hats and seeing advertisements for Founding Father tours, I probably am. In the same way, a theory successfully predicting the outcome of one experiment is not enough to conclude that it is true; but if a theory makes a wide variety of predictions that are all vindicated by multiple experiments, performed by many different groups and people, all actively trying to prove the theory false (which is what good scientific experiments are designed to do)—that is a good reason to conclude that the theory is true. In other words, if you repeatedly try to prove something false but can’t, that is a very good indication that it isn’t. The problem of underdeterminationIn reply, those whom van Fraassen calls “empiricists” often point to the “problem of underdetermination.” For any given theory that makes successful predictions about what happens in experimental conditions, there are countless other possible theories that make exactly the same predictions—and since they do, the experimental evidence in question is just as much reason to accept any of those theories as it is to accept our original one. Thus, the argument goes, we have no way of knowing whether our original theory is true, or one of the other “predictively equivalent” theories is true. SUGGESTED VIEWING How Occam's Razor changed the world With Johnjoe McFadden As an example of underdetermination, philosophers often offer this example. The evidence of fossils seems to provide reason to conclude that the universe is quite old; ancient fossils are what the “ancient universe” hypothesis predicts. But it’s also possible that God created an ancient-looking universe 200 years ago, complete with a “fake” fossil record for us to find, to make it look old. The existence of fossils is what that theory predicts too. So, the argument goes, the fossil record can’t be used as evidence that the universe is ancient; the fossil record supports the “200-year-old ancient-looking universe” theory just as much. The problem of underdetermination points out that, for any theory with supporting evidence, we could invent another completely different theory that predicts exactly the same evidence, and thus undermine that evidence’s ability to support the original theory.But this “argument from underdetermination” betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of what scientific reasoning is and how it works. To explain, let me use another rather strange (but very real and commonly discussed) philosophical thought experiment called “The Grue Problem.” The “Grue” ProblemSuppose I want to know what color emeralds are, so I observe a few, see that they all appear green, and form the theory that “all emeralds are green.” I thus predict that the next 100 emeralds I find will also appear to be green. And let’s say that happens, and so I thus conclude that my theory that all emeralds are green is true. Now, one might rightly point out that I don’t know for sure that all emeralds are green—I have not seen them all. Maybe some I haven’t found yet are blue. Fair enough. After all, we used to think that all swans were white, until we found some black ones. But let’s say that I go on a quest and collect every emerald in the universe—and, for the sake of the argument, let’s say I can do this, and can even know that I have every one of them. So, I collect them all, look at them all, and verify that they all appear green. Can’t I now rightly conclude that all emeralds are green?Inspired by the problem of underdetermination, a friend might argue that I cannot.Sure, they all appear green now—but there could be another kind of color called “grue.” Something is grue if it is green up to a certain point in time, but then spontaneously turns blue. And there could be an infinite number of “shades” of grue. Something that is one shade of grue will turn blue at noon today, but something that is another shade of grue will turn blue at noon tomorrow, etc. So yes, the emeralds appear green now; and since they haven’t turned blue yet, they are not some “past” shade of grue. But they might be some “future” shade of grue (e.g., they may turn blue at noon tomorrow). And since all future shades of grue are consistent with “being green up to this point in time,” the evidence you have is completely consistent with the notion that all emeralds are some future shade of grue, rather than green. Indeed, that they would appear green until now is what the “some future shade of grue” hypothesis predicts. So, we have just as much reason to conclude that all emeralds are some shade of grue as we do to conclude that they are green.You’re probably thinking “It’s not equally possible that the emeralds are grue; they are obviously green.” You are right! But explaining why your instinctive reaction to my friend’s argument is correct will help inform why van Fraassen’s “empiricist” is wrong and science actually does describe reality.The main mistake my friend makes is in thinking that the “empirical evidence” (of all the emeralds appearing green) is (or even should be) all I am using to draw the conclusion that all emeralds are green. It is not. I am also considering known facts about how colors typically work; things don’t usually change color, and when they do, they don’t do so suddenly, without cause, and all at once. So, even though the simple evidence of the emeralds all appearing green up to this point is consistent with them being some future shade of grue—that is even what the grue hypothesis “predicts”—it is still exceedingly unlikely that they are. The hypothesis that they are green is much more likely. Understanding science refutes the problem of underdetermination The misunderstanding about science that the “empiricist” pointing to “the problem of underdetermination” makes is similar to the one that my friend made. Science is not just about considering experimental evidence; in fact, it’s not even just about considering empirical evidence. As Ernan McMullin and many other philosophers of science have pointed out, the inference that makes science is “inference to the best explanation” (sometimes called “abduction” or “retroduction” by McMullin). While, depending on the circumstances, scientists use many different kinds of reasoning, science as a whole is, simply put, the process of considering multiple competing explanations and comparing them to certain criteria—explanatory criteria (the kinds of things explanations must be and do, by definition, to be a good explanation)—to see which explanation is the best.And these criteria do not deal only with empirical results. Yes, successful predictions raise the probability of a hypothesis, but it’s also the case that the more new assumptions a theory makes, the less likely it is to be true; every new assumption presents an opportunity for the theory to be false. (The fewer assumptions a theory makes, the simpler or “more parsimonious” it is said to be.) Likewise, the more existing evidence a theory contradicts, the less likely it is, because in order for a theory to be true, every piece of evidence it contradicts has to be somehow faulty. (The fewer established theories a new theory contradicts, the more “conservative” it is said to be.) And, obviously, the more something explains, the better explanation it is. (This is called having “scope.”) If a theory raises unanswerable questions, it’s not expanding our understanding, and thus is not wide-scoping. Scientists consider all these things when deciding which theory to accept, because the theory that adheres best to these explanatory criteria is most likely to be true.___the mere fact that a theory’s predictive success is why it “sticks around” or “becomes accepted” in the scientific community is not a reason to be skeptical about its truth.___The reason the grue hypothesis is no good is because it invents an entirely new kind of color—not just a new shade, but an entirely different category of color (a different way colors work)—and thus is not parsimonious. It raises unanswerable questions about how and why emeralds would just spontaneously change from green to blue (and thus does not have wide scope). And it contradicts what is already well established about how color works (and thus is unconservative).The theories that the problem of underdetermination points to do the same thing. Yes, the theory that God created an “ancient-looking universe” (complete with an ancient-looking fossil record) two hundred years ago is also consistent with the empirical evidence (of a fossil record) that presently exists; but that theory is monumentally unparsimonious (it requires many extra assumptions about infinite entities) and not wide-scoping (it raises unanswerable questions about why God would do such a thing). So, I can rationally conclude that it is false.Indeed, the history of science includes many examples of theories that were rejected because they lacked parsimony and/or scope, even before their falsity (and the truth of their competing theory) was confirmed by observation. As I point out in my book, geocentrism was rejected by the scientific community because it lacked parsimony, almost 200 years before the observation of parallax confirmed that the Earth moves around the sun. And the continuum theory of matter was completely rejected by 1860, because it couldn’t explain chemical reactions or organize matter into a periodic table, even though the experiments that eventually confirmed atomic theory weren’t even proposed until the 1870s. Solving the best of a bad lot problemIn response, the “empiricists” are likely to object, this time pointing to the “best of a bad lot” problem. “We have no reason to conclude that an explanation that has been shown to be better than others is true because we have no guarantee that the true theory was among those that we were considering.” If you have a “lot” (a collection) of poor explanations, even the best one is not true.The responses to this problem, however, are numerous. Peter Lipton argues that the set of hypotheses that scientists consider are not just randomly selected and thus unlikely to contain a theory that is true; they use existing knowledge to home in on what is most likely to be true. A doctor trying to explain abdominal pain is not going to bother wondering whether demons are causing it; they are going to stick with things like appendicitis and kidney stones, because they are most likely. Further, despite its name, inference to the best explanation is not just the process of comparing hypotheses and accepting the best one; we also want one that is a good explanation in its own right. If it’s not, we are going to keep looking until we find an explanation that is. And while that process does not guarantee that we will come across the exact truth, it’s very likely that the theory that emerges as the best will be at least approximately true, and thus we will be justified in believing it. And lastly, as I point out in my book, although many theories not based in scientific evidence (like geocentrism and continuum theory) have been completely overturned, science almost always progresses by the refinement of scientifically established theories—not their replacement. (Although our sun is not the center of the universe, heliocentrism was our first step in understanding the Earth’s true place in the universe.) So even if a theory we accept today may not be completely right, accepting it is a step on the journey toward the complete truth. The example of atomic theoryNow, it’s worth pointing out that most empiricists are not skeptical of all scientific theories; they are only skeptical of the ones that hypothesize the existence of “unobservables.” It’s not like they think that round Earth, heliocentrism, and germ theory are just useful (but untrue) “instruments” for making predictions about how to most efficiently navigate the seas, predict planetary motion, and treat diseases. They admit that the Earth actually is round, that the planets revolve around the sun, and that germs exist and cause disease. These facts and entities can be observed; the theories that suggest they exist are true. It’s only when theories start hypothesizing the existence of unobservables—like electrons, or quantum fields—that can’t be observed directly, that we should start doubting the theories’ truth. And to be fair to van Fraassen, in this published work, he doesn’t really say that we should doubt the truth of such theories. Only that scientific reasoning does not rationally force us to accept them as true. Skepticism, or agnosticism, he argues, is warranted. SUGGESTED READING Science is based in metaphor By Andrew Reynolds But the history of atomic theory throws a monkey wrench into that argument. Atoms used to be unobservable; again, scientists first accepted the theory that they exist because it had such grandiose explanatory power. But then atoms were seen with electron microscopes. They thus moved into the category of the observable. But this didn’t substantially change anything about what scientists were justified in believing; it certainly didn’t change any “atomic skeptics’” minds. It just confirmed what everyone already knew! If the hypothesis that something exists clearly provides the best explanation for what we can observe, then the belief that it exists is what is rational. The fact that the thing itself is not technically observable does not make doubting its existence rational.What’s more, the atoms were seen with an electron microscope. But electrons are themselves unobservable. How can an electron microscope reveal an atom if electrons are not real? This leads us to what is famously known as Hilary Putnam’s “miracle argument.” It’s (not) a miraclePhilosopher Hilary Putnam’s miracle argument is somewhat famous. Basically, he argued that a scientific theory being able to repeatedly make successful predictions—even about unobservables—without being at least approximately true would require a “miracle.” In other words, it would be such an improbable occurrence that it could not rationally be believed—the better explanation for why scientific theories about unobservables make the right predictions is because the unobservable entities and structures they hypothesize exist.Van Fraassen has addressed this argument. Indeed, in his original article, where he references Alison Gopnik’s point about orgasms not being “necessary for procreation” even though the desire for orgasm “drives the creation of progeny,” he is pointing to his own argument about how organisms are not naturally selected by evolution to get true beliefs; to the extent that belief-forming processes are selected for, the ones that are selected are the ones that are useful for survival—not the ones that produce true beliefs. In the same way, van Fraassen argues, scientific theories are accepted, not because they are true, but because they aren’t falsified; they make successful predictions; that’s what makes them “stick around.” So, the fact that they make successful predictions (and thus became accepted) is not a reason to think they are true.This argument is similar to C. S. Lewis’s “argument from reason,” which he used to argue against evolution: “The truth of evolution undercuts our ability to know that it is true.” Lewis’ argument famously failed; Elizabeth Anscombe, by Lewis’s own admission, demolished Lewis in a debate on the topic, and I have explained elsewhere why modified versions of the argument fail as well. In short, it’s because it fails to recognize that a belief-forming process can make an organism more likely to survive because it reliably produces true beliefs. It is therefore not the case that beliefs generated by naturally selected belief-forming processes are automatically false or unjustified.In the same way, the reason a theory “sticks around” could be because it’s not falsified, because it “makes correct predictions.” But the reason it makes correct predictions is most likely because it is true. (In pointing this out, I am echoing the arguments of Musgrave, Lipton, Psillos, and Kitcher, who refuted van Fraassen’s argument and analogy long before his 2024 article.) It would be a huge coincidence that it could do so without being true. And that is the point of Putnam’s miracle argument. Thus, contrary to van Fraassen’s suggestion, the mere fact that a theory’s predictive success is why it “sticks around” or “becomes accepted” in the scientific community is not a reason to be skeptical about its truth. ConclusionLet me close by saying something about the fact that empiricists don’t doubt the truth of all scientific theories, just the ones that hypothesize unobservables. In today’s society, this theory is dangerous to espouse publicly. The nuance between being skeptical about all of science, and just the highly technical theories about unobservables, is guaranteed to be lost to the average reader. And there is so much unjustified skepticism and doubt about the findings of science and experts that a headline like “Science Does Not Describe Reality” could easily fuel the anti-science movement, worsen climate change denial and cause the next pandemic.This is why I believe it was important to still respond to van Fraassen’s article, a full two years after he wrote it. Not only, as I have argued, does it represent a philosophically inaccurate view of how scientific reasoning works and what scientific reasoning can do, but it is a dangerous view to boot. It should thus be rejected.
Former Philadelphia Eagles rookie, Pa. native signs with NFC contender
Former Eagles defensive tackle and West Chester standout David Blay has signed with the Green Bay Packers' practice squad.
Local sports recap for Sept. 30, 2026
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Defending state champ Nolan Eccles appears ready for another run to state. The Dunlap senior fired a 3-under 69 to lead the Eagles to a class 3A regional championship at Ironwood Golf Course Wednesday. Eccles collected seven birdies on the way to earning medalist honors. Washington, Metamora, and Morton advanced from […]
DeVonta Smith Injury Threatens Eagles Offense
The Eagles injury report is a nightmare. With DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Zack Baun sidelined, Philly's Week 4 matchup against the Rams looks grim.
No practice for DeVonta Smith Wednesday
Eagles WR DeVonta Smith sits out practice Wednesday because of injury
Philadelphia Eagles Get Huge Injury News Before Rams Game
Philadelphia Eagles get huge injury news ahead of Week 4 against Los Angeles Rams. The post Philadelphia Eagles Get Huge Injury News Before Rams Game appeared first on HEAVY.
Player of the Week 5
Even if it wasn't his best night, Tyler Reed still found a way to contribute to the Eagle's victory, earning him KCEN's Week 5 Player of the Week.
Scouting America council to honor Hunt family
The Natural State Council of Scouting America said Tuesday (Sept. 29) that it will honor the Hunt family at its 2026 Northwest Arkansas Heart of the Eagle. The luncheon event...
Scouting America council to honor Hunt family
The Natural State Council of Scouting America said Tuesday (Sept. 29) that it will honor the Hunt family at its 2026 Northwest Arkansas Heart of the Eagle. The luncheon event...
Make your Week 4 NFL picks
Rams look to rebound in Week 4 in a revenge game against the Eagles
How to watch Jackie the bald eagle's memorial service
The resilient eagle’s story inspired millions around the world.
Eagles Named Potential Trade Suitor for Browns WR Jerry Jeudy
Could the Philadelphia Eagles trade for Cleveland Browns WR Jerry Jeudy?