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If You Don't Practice Yoga in the Morning, You Might Be Missing Out. Here's What Science Says.
Maybe you should try that a.m. class after all.
Yankees Trade Pitch Lands $288 Million Infielder in the Bronx
The New York Yankees can only bring so many bold trade proposals to fruition.But this doesn’t stop rumors from surfacing.In a recent New York trade pitch, an MLB writer sent a $288 million shortstop to the Bronx.Let’s take a look at his daring suggestion.Yankees Urged To Target Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr.When Anthony Ranaudo of FanSided […] The post Yankees Trade Pitch Lands $288 Million Infielder in the Bronx appeared first on HEAVY.
Women’s Health Wednesday: New Breast Cancer Research at St. Peter’s Health Partners Reveals More Success with Tumor Removal
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – A promising, international clinical trial is getting attention locally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month wraps up. A local breast surgeon with St. Peter’s Breast …
Northern border bills proposed by N.Y. representatives pass the House
Both bills now head to the Senate.
NAMI Capital Region holds annual walk for mental health
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — As we begin mental health awareness month, one organization hosted a walk to recognize mental health. For nine years, NAMI Capital Region has held the NAMI walk. The e…
N.Y. AG's warning about ICE at polling places sparks political disagreement
AG James issued a statement Tuesday reminding New Yorkers that armed federal agents are prohibited from policing polling places under federal law.
D’Youville University launches new business school
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — D’Youville University announced the launch of its new School of Business on Tuesday as the university continues to grow. The university says the new school will s…
Local football teams climb NYS rankings
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – Several local football teams are starting off strong in 2026. And, they’re getting some well-deserved spots in the latest New York State Sportswriters Association (NYSSWA) Rankings. Waverly, Horseheads, Edison and the Schuyler Storm all come in ranked inside the top 20 in their respective classes. Plus, plenty more have earned honorable […]
Niagara Falls business admits to illegally storing hazardous waste
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Niagara Falls business has admitted to illegally storing hazardous waste at a property on Highland Avenue, the United States Attorney’s Office said Monday. JEMF…
Science icon Bill Nye to speak at RIT’s homecoming
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – RIT has a special guest in town for its homecoming weekend. World-class science educator Bill Nye, best known for his Emmy-winning television series Bill Nye The Science Gu…
Valley National Bancorp to Acquire Bluevine Inc., Accelerating Its Digital Small Business Growth Strategy and Meaningfully Enhancing Its Core Funding Capabilities
NEW YORK, N.Y. and JERSEY CITY, N.J., Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Valley National Bancorp (“Valley”) (NASDAQ: VLY) and Bluevine Inc. (“Bluevine”) announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Valley will acquire Bluevine, a leading nationwide digital banking platform for small businesses. The acquisition directly aligns with Valley’s stated strategic priorities of enhancing its funding base, expanding its small business franchise, and accelerating its digital
Compeer Mile raises funds for Rochester mental health
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The 2026 7th Annual Compeer Mile was held this morning, urging people to put away their phones and spend time running and walking. The Compeer Mile is the year’s larg…
Kelly Clarkson Slams Brooklyn Store, Business Defends Itself
Art of Play, a novelty store in Brooklyn. N.Y., is responding to Kelly Clarkson's claims.
New York's 'voice for small business' names O’Mara 2026 ‘Guardian of Small Business’
Elmira, N.Y., October 5—New York’s leading voice for small and independent businesses, the National Federation of Independent Business of New York State (NFIB/NY), has named State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) an NFIB/NY 2026 “Guardian of Small Business.”
N.Y. governor candidates stake out AI stances
Absent standard federal AI regulations, states like New York are trying to take the lead.
Direct communication is best for getting program’s healthy-eating message across
A survey of hundreds of Double Up Food Bucks N.Y. recipients revealed that face-to-face interpersonal communication strategies predicted greater total daily fresh fruit and vegetable intake than mass communication methods.
Erie County lawmakers approve small business bill, pass resolution
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Erie County lawmakers on Thursday voted to approve the Small Business Utilization Act and passed a resolution that calls for reimbursement from New York State. County L…
Interview: SU political science professor Grant Reeher talks Election Day aftermath
SYRACUSE., N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — After speaking with NewsChannel 9 just before the 2026 election, Syracuse University political science professor Grant Reeher talked about the impact of the results. Watch ...
Beyond the Brave Full Set Spoilers [BETB-EN]
A true duelist doesn’t back off from nobody cuz only cowards don’t stand up to a challenge!
Yale Health to transition behavioral health provider network
Beginning next calendar year, those who receive behavioral health benefits through Yale Health will see a switch in their provider, from Magellan Mental Health Network to Optum Mental Health Network. Administrators said benefits will not change.
Advocates prepare for the potential of ICE agents at polls in N.Y.
The New York Immigration Coalition says it’s “preparing for everything that could potentially be possible” this election season.
Partner1 Renews WBENC Women's Business Enterprise and Women-Owned Small Business Certifications
Recertification caps a year in which founder and CEO Juhi Saha was named to Inc.’s 2026 Female Founders 500 and Partner1 was named an Inc. Power Partner for the second year runningPLEASANTVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Partner1, the advisory firm and software platform behind the partnership strategies of fast-growing B2B software companies, today announced it has renewed its Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certifications from the Women’s Bu
Yale conservatives of color say race has not affected their politics
Four students of color who are members of right-wing political groups on campus said their ideologies have largely been unaffected by their racial identities, though they were split on whether Yale fosters a space welcoming to conservative ideals.
ICE fears weigh on Latino business owners as DeLauro tours Fair Haven
Connecticut representative Rosa DeLauro visited restaurants and a retail store in New Haven’s majority-Latino Fair Haven neighborhood, where business owners said customers’ fear of ICE activity was driving down sales.
N.Y. Democrats rally in Brooklyn night before Election Day
New York Democrats looked to keep the energy up before Election Day at a rally in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Monday.
Local business honors World War II veteran
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Local leaders gathered in Tonawanda on Monday as Tony’s Tree and Landscaping honored World War II veteran Dr. John Long. The company, which is owned and run by a …
Q&A: Chris Mara discusses brother John’s health, Giants’ direction
N.Y. Giants SVP/Player Personnel Chris Mara, brother of team CEO John Mara, joined N.Y. Post columnist Steve Serby for a Q&A in which he discussed his brother’s cancer battle, his optimism about the team’s direction and their differing leadership styles.
Northwell Health Launches the Institute for Healthy Aging, Integrating 28 Hospitals, Research and Community Programs to Promote Longevity and Support People as They Age
NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 6, 2026--
OnMed, Jackson Health System and The Salvation Army Deploy OnMed CareStation™ to Extend Care Beyond Hospital Walls in Miami
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., September 17, 2026--OnMed, the leader in hybrid healthcare expanding access to care through the CareStation, today announced a new partnership with Jackson Health System, Miami’s only public health system, and The Salvation Army to bring essential medical care closer to home in Miami's Allapattah neighborhood. Sponsored by Jackson, the CareStation will be deployed at The Salvation Army's Miami location at 1907 NW 38th St., providing residents with convenient access to license
Beloved, historic WNY business up for sale
EAST AURORA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Vidler’s 5 & 10 in East Aurora, both the business and the buildings they call home, are up for sale. “We’re incredibly grateful. We’ve b…
Advocates prepare for the potential of ICE agents at polls in N.Y.
The New York Immigration Coalition says it’s “preparing for everything that could potentially be possible” this election season.
Blue October frontman Justin Furstenfeld discusses 20th anniversary of “Foiled,” mental health, tour before Nov. 11 Riviera Theatre show
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Blue October never had the chance to tour their 2006 record, “Foiled,” when it came out. As they celebrate 20 years of the album, the band will be playing i…
Evolution Dental Science opens new facility
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Evolution Dental Science held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new dental lab Friday on Essjay Road, a facility that the business says will support local job creatio…
Your weather app runs on satellites, supercomputers and a retired science teacher who walked to his rain gauge at 7 a.m. every day for 50 years
The forecast on your phone has a secret ingredient: 8,700 volunteers with a thermometer. Meet the Frenches, a family in Gouverneur, N.Y. Ray monitored the stats for 50 years before his son took over. The 11-year-old granddaughter is next.
Belmont Park reopens as new sports and entertainment destination
ELMONT, N.Y. (PIX11) — The horses are running again at Belmont Park. For the first time in three years, race calls echo across the iconic Nassau County track as thousands of fans gather for the reo…
10 Years Later: The Amazing Jenna LaLonde Goes Viral
NEW YORK MILLS, N.Y. -- Ten years ago, the Amazing Jenna LaLonde, of NY Mills, had a wish.
Lewis hosts political science professor to break down midterm results
At a Dean’s Dialogue event on Wednesday afternoon, Yale College Dean Pericles Lewis moderated a discussion with political science professor Gregory Huber on the outcomes of Tuesday’s midterm elections and where the nation could be headed now.
Clemens Center to host Comedy Club before Thanksgiving
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – The Clemens Center is hosting a Comedy Club night just in time before extended families visit for the Thanksgiving holiday. The show is on Monday, Nov. 23 at 8 p.m. in Mandeville...
Rally to pass the New York Health Act
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Dozens of community members are expected to gather on Saturday morning to call on the State Legislature to pass the New York Health Act. New Yorkers will stand together wit…
Boil Water Order Issued for Fredonia Village Water Customers, Conserve Water Order Still in Place
MAYVILLE, N.Y.
Historic German House to host annual Turtle Hill Folk Festival
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The Historic German House in Rochester will be hosting the 55th annual Turtle Hill Folk Festival on Saturday. The gate will open on 315 Gregory Street at 10 a.m. Workshops and...
Science icon Bill Nye to speak at RIT’s homecoming
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – RIT has a special guest in town for its homecoming weekend. World-class science educator Bill Nye, best known for his Emmy-winning television series Bill Nye The Science Guy, will be this year’s Brick City Weekend & Student Government speaker. Nye will be at the Gordon Field House at 2 p.m. Since […]
Phoenix Tailings prepares to open rare earth separation facility at Eastman Business Park
Greece, N.Y. — Phoenix Tailings is preparing to open a rare earth separation facility in the Rochester area.
Chautauqua County Reminds Families How to Keep Babies Safe While Sleeping
MAYVILLE, N.Y. – October is Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month.
Baskets for Ben Fundraiser to feature auctions, raffles, entertainment and buffet
The 15th Annual Baskets for Ben fundraiser will be held on Friday, Oct. 23 at VFW Post 6196, 32 Luzerne Road, Queensbury, N.Y.
Man City charges cloud hangs over Premier League season
Manchester City emerged unscathed from a hostile reception at Anfield in their first match since a guilty verdict on widespread financial impropriety, but a 3-0 win over Liverpool highlighted the uncertainty that now surrounds the Premier League season.Yet those points could count for nothing unless City are successful in their appeal against the findings of an independent commission, that found them guilty of over 100 Premier League charges.
Local health officials urge measles vaccination amid exposures
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — More measles exposures are being reported across the region. Exposures are now being tracked at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, as well as a fe...
Syracuse University political science professor Grant Reeher talks Election Day
SYRACUSE, N.Y. WSYR-TV) — Syracuse University political science professor Grant Reeher spoke with NewsChannel 9 Anchor Jeff Kuliokowsky on Central New York and the North Country’s possible roles in th...
Sadie Strong hosts annual health and wellness expo
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo-based nonprofit breast cancer support organization Sadie Strong hosted its eighth annual Community Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday at the Northland Workfor…
Schorr Family Firehouse Stage to open 2026-27 season
JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – An exciting 2026-27 season at The Schorr Family Firehouse Stage is just around the corner. Tomorrow marks the start of the Johnson City theater’s 19th season with Ladi...
Exclusive: N.Y. House Democrats push for delay of state SNAP cost share
The law establishes an up to 15% state contribution rate, depending on the state’s error rate.
Friday Night Frenzy for Section IV football
GREATER BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Friday night means it is a frenzy when it comes to high school football. Let’s take a look at some of the matchups tonight across Section IV. At 6 p.m. 1-3 Dryden takes on 2-2 Unatego. The rest of the games have 7 p.m. starts, with number one ranked Chenango […]
How Democrats will try to end Trump's tariffs
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., who is likely the next House speaker, has made clear that ending President Trump's tariffs is one of Democrats' top priorities.
Former Youngstown clerk accused of falsifying business records
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A woman is facing charges after she allegedly used a Village of Youngstown account to make fraudulent transactions while employed as a village clerk, the Niagara County…
Bill introduced to support newborn health screenings
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Congressman Nick Langworthy was joined by Hall of Fame Bills quarterback Jim Kelly on Thursday to announce the introduction of a bipartisan bill that would dedicate fed…
As federal grant cuts hit social sciences, McInnis ‘worried’ about funds
Yale’s federal funding declined by 1.5 percent in the last fiscal year, with cuts affecting social science fields — which the Trump administration has targeted. Yale President Maurie McInnis said last month that the government had been slow to disburse awards.
Trump, Mamdani looming large in final days of N.Y. gubernatorial race
Gov. Hochul predicts a ‘Blue Wave’ will sweep across New York State next month.
Catholic Health to eliminate 40 positions systemwide
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Catholic Health says it’s implementing staffing changes at select locations to address patient needs, including the elimination of 40 positions systemwide. In a r…
U.S. Small Business Employment Rate Remains Steady in September
Positive weekly earnings and hours worked growth trends continueROCHESTER, N.Y., Sept. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch, which reports on employment levels in U.S. small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, the pace of job growth increased 0.02 percentage points to 99.15 in September. The jobs index remained broadly in line with the 2026 year-to-date average of 99.19. Hourly earnings growth remained below three percent in September (2.78%)
Erie County Department of Health reports potential diphtheria exposure in West Seneca schools
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Erie County Department of Health has confirmed a travel-related case of bacterial illness diphtheria, with schools in the West Seneca Central School District being identified as potential exposure sites. According to the district, notifications have been sent to families at Clinton Primary, Northwood Elementary, Winchester-Potters Elementary & East Middle School. […]
Ocasio-Cortez Donates to N.Y. Democrats, Will Barnstorm State Ahead of Midterms
The news has reignited speculation about whether the progressive representative from the Bronx is considering a run for senator or president.
Medical school professor wins women faculty award for public health work
Marcella Nunez-Smith, the School of Medicine’s inaugural associate dean for Health Equity Research, was recognized by the Yale Women Faculty Forum for her work in public health equity at a Wednesday event attended by various senior administrators.
Woman Is Quoted $2K to Put Up a Flex Wall in N.Y.C. Apartment, So She Uses Plastic Building Blocks Instead (Exclusive)
“I really grew to love my little castle,” Alliyah Barre tells PEOPLE
Yale partners with mental health service with wider operating hours
Following discussions of mental health care on campus, the Yale College Council advocated for a new mental health counseling service, TimelyCare, in an effort to make counseling accessible during broader hours.
Israeli UN ambassador to Gov Kathy Hochul: I'd advise focusing on US politics
Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon discusses Vice President JD Vance's comments on U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and reacts to N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul's comments on Israel's prime ministerial election on 'The Evening Edit.'
Science icon Bill Nye to speak at RIT’s homecoming
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – RIT has a special guest in town for its homecoming weekend. World-class science educator Bill Nye, best known for his Emmy-winning television series Bill Nye The Science Guy, ...
Joshua Van Open to Petr Yan UFC Superfight
UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van revealed that he is open to a superfight against UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan.Yan is the best MMA fighter in the world at 125 lbs while Yan is the best in the world at 135 lbs. So, could these two potentially meet up for a superfight between two of the […] The post Joshua Van Open to Petr Yan UFC Superfight appeared first on HEAVY.
Lewis hosts political science professor to break down midterm results
At a Dean’s Dialogue event on Wednesday afternoon, Yale College Dean Pericles Lewis moderated a discussion with political science professor Gregory Huber on the outcomes of Tuesday’s midterm elections and where the nation could be headed now.
What record Wall Street numbers could mean for the N.Y. state budget
The report raises a question that has plagued fiscal discussions in recent years as Wall Street has been on a hot streak: What message should state leaders take from it?
UB Bulls stopped at goal line in MAC upset bid
AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) — The University at Buffalo football team lost at the last second of its conference opener against a favored foe that suffered the most infamous last-second loss of the season. Buffalo quarterback Jason Wright was stopped at the 1-yard line on a fourth down scramble as time expired in Western Michigan’s 20-17 […]
Oakwood Cemetery receives support from local business
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) — The first public cemetery in Niagara County is getting a helping hand from a local business. “Not everybody thinks about the cemetery or helping out at the cemetery, so it’s great to have volunteers and get people in here and see the other side of it,” Michael Baxter, director of […]
Political insiders break down N.Y. gubernatorial debate
Republican Bruce Blakeman and incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul faced off in their only debate of the election cycle right here on Spectrum News 1.
Push to increase access in N.Y. to mental health treatments
The announcement is in the wake of President Donald Trump’s April 2026 executive order accelerating medical treatments for serious mental illness.
N.Y. veterinarian offers tips to keep cannabis out of the wrong paws
A warning for pet owners as cannabis becomes more accessible.
Free walk-in vaccinations return to Yale Health as flu season looms
More than 3,600 flu and COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered to Yale students this fall, as Yale Health continues its annual vaccination campaign ahead of the winter respiratory illness season.
Two years after Yale Health adopted AI helpers, Yalies are on the fence
The campus health clinic incorporated an artificial intelligence-powered tool into clinical visits in 2024. Yale students expressed varying levels of comfort with the technology, which is intended to reduce the providers’ workload when documenting visits.
Interpreting Wednesday’s dual polls in the race for N.Y. governor
Two major polls released Wednesday offered sharply different pictures of the race for New York governor.
Monroe County Public Health reports potential measles exposure at Rochester Airport
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Monroe County Department of Public Health says two people who traveled through the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport have tested positive for measles. The county says the two traveled through the airport on Sept. 8 and Sept. 13, and may have exposed others to the disease. The two don’t live […]
Couple Turns Lifelong Dream of Saving ‘Old, Dilapidated’ N.Y.C. Brownstones into a Growing Business (Exclusive)
One couple has turned their passion for restoring historic New York City guesthouses into a family business while raising three daughters and renovating every property during a pregnancy.
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.
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