A philosopher of science tracks paradigm shifts: every 25 years, a new framework explains 30% more phenomena than the previous. Starting from 100 explained units, how many are explained after 75 years?

Wed, 06 May 2026 01:40:19 +0000

**Why Americans Are Exploring How Paradigms Evolve—And How Far We’ve Come** Curious minds across the U.S. are increasingly drawn to the quiet revolutions shaping how we understand science, knowledge, and progress. A simple yet powerful concept—paradigm shifts—explains why major fields transform roughly every 25 years: each new framework unlocks understanding of 30% more phenomena than its predecessor. Starting with 100 foundational ideas, this compound growth reveals a profound pattern in science and society. After 75 years, how many are truly explained? It’s not just a numbers game—it’s a window into how human insight evolves. **The Science Behind Paradigm Growth** Every 25 years, a breakthrough framework emerges, expanding the explanatory reach of existing science by 30%. Starting from 100 explained units, each decade builds on the last, multiplying compound interest-like growth. This means:
After 25 years: 100 × 1.3 = 130
After 50 years: 130 × 1.3 = 169
After 75 years: 169 × 1.3 = 219.7, rounded to 220 explained units
This mathematical model suggests that by 75 years, over two dozen new concepts enrich the original foundation—each solving previously mysterious gaps. The trend isn’t just theoretical; it reflects real shifts in how researchers interpret emerging data, validate theories, and integrate interdisciplinary insights. In the user-driven US market, this resonates with growing interest in evidence-based reasoning and systems thinking.