A philosopher of science studies the decay of scientific theories over time. A theorys relevance decreases by 15% each decade. If a theory starts with 100% relevance, what will its relevance be after 30 years, rounded to the nearest whole percent?

Tue, 05 May 2026 17:31:23 +0000

**Why A Theory’s Relevance Fades Over Time — and What It Means for Science Today** In a world where scientific breakthroughs reshape daily life, a quiet but growing conversation examines how ideas themselves transform — and fade. A philosopher of science studies the quiet erosion of scientific theories over decades, revealing a predictable decay pattern: relevance drops steadily with time. This isn’t about discredit, but about how knowledge evolves in light of new evidence and perspectives. With a theory’s relevance declining by 15% each decade, understanding its future standing after 30 years offers insight into the rhythm of scientific progress. Starting at 100% relevance, this gradual decline reflects both the limits of certainty and the importance of continual questioning. The pattern reminds us that no idea remains fixed — even foundational theories adapt as understanding deepens. **A Decade-by-Decade Look at Scientific Relevance**