Does obsolescence spur scientific advance?

[Philosophy Explorer]

I believe it does. For example I was told that tvs last for over ten years. If you have no urge to replace the tv, then manufacturers and research scientists will have less incentive to develop better tvs. What if the obsolescence period were five years or fifteen years? What would happen then? How about the auto industry with electric vehicles, autonomous cars and hydrogen cars?

PhilX

[thedoc]

I believe it does. For example I was told that tvs last for over ten years. If you have no urge to replace the tv, then manufacturers and research scientists will have less incentive to develop better tvs. What if the obsolescence period were five years or fifteen years? What would happen then? How about the auto industry with electric vehicles, autonomous cars and hydrogen cars?

PhilX

I think it's the other way round, new and better technology makes older technology obsolete. That does not mean that older technology suddenly stops working, it's just that the new technology works better or does more. There are some people who prefer the older technology because it is what they are familiar with.

[Philosophy Explorer]

I believe it does. For example I was told that tvs last for over ten years. If you have no urge to replace the tv, then manufacturers and research scientists will have less incentive to develop better tvs. What if the obsolescence period were five years or fifteen years? What would happen then? How about the auto industry with electric vehicles, autonomous cars and hydrogen cars?

PhilX

I think it's the other way round, new and better technology makes older technology obsolete. That does not mean that older technology suddenly stops working, it's just that the new technology works better or does more. There are some people who prefer the older technology because it is what they are familiar with.

To be more precise, sooner or later tvs break down which would need replacement. Some people may grow bored with their devices too. In any case, science researchers are currently trying to improve tv pictures with quantum dot technology.

PhilX

[Necromancer]

I don't think it is so much than for the very curiosity and a kind of preparation by information serendipity!

You feel inspired by something, you get hunches for stuff to investigate and, hurray, you may have found something that you can call science or technology or so!

[thedoc]

I don't think it is so much than for the very curiosity and a kind of preparation by information serendipity!

You feel inspired by something, you get hunches for stuff to investigate and, hurray, you may have found something that you can call science or technology or so!

PhilX, I see what you mean. Interesting word salad.

[Philosophy Explorer]

I don't think it is so much than for the very curiosity and a kind of preparation by information serendipity!

You feel inspired by something, you get hunches for stuff to investigate and, hurray, you may have found something that you can call science or technology or so!

PhilX, I see what you mean. Interesting word salad.

Care for some steak smothered by mushrooms and ketchup?

PhilX

[thedoc]

I don't think it is so much than for the very curiosity and a kind of preparation by information serendipity!

You feel inspired by something, you get hunches for stuff to investigate and, hurray, you may have found something that you can call science or technology or so!

PhilX, I see what you mean. Interesting word salad.

Care for some steak smothered by mushrooms and ketchup?

PhilX

Make mine rare and hold the ketchup, or at least put it on the side.

My daughter says that I like to chase my steak across the plate to eat it.