How Advanced Is Our Civilization?
The Kardashev Scale Explained in Simple Words.
Short Summary
A civilization’s level of development can be determined using the Kardashev Scale, depending on how much energy it is able to use.
Introduction
In 1964, a Soviet astronomer by the name of Nikolai Kardashev invented it.
The scale is hypothetical and considers energy consumption on a cosmic scale. Kardashev’s original paper presented at the 1964 Byurakan conference proposed a classification of civilizations into three types, based on the postulate of exponential progression.
The Three Types of Civilization
There are three categories of civilization on the scale.
- All the energy on their planet can be used by Type I, meaning it can access all the energy available on its planet and store it for consumption.
- All the energy in a star can be used by Type II, meaning it can directly consume the energy of a star.
- And all the energy in their galaxy can be used by Type III, meaning it is able to capture all the energy emitted by its galaxy. That is, to say it mildly, quite a lot.
The scale is speculative and is intended to gauge how advanced potential alien civilizations might be.
Future Outlook
Since then, the scale has undergone revision and criticism. It has also been expanded to accommodate other categories and indicators.
While Michio Kaku abandoned the energy postulate in favor of a knowledge-based economy, Carl Sagan improved the types. Others have challenged the premises or suggested using different scales.
Numerous scenarios investigating the prospect of more evolved civilizations have been developed as a result of the Kardashev scale, each of which questions the presumptions of energy sources, technology, and interstellar communication.
