## Tags - Part of: [[Physics]], [[Power generation]] - Related: - Includes: - Additional: ## Main resources - <iframe src="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_D._Barrow#Barrow_scale" allow="fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" style="height:100%;width:100%; aspect-ratio: 16 / 5; "></iframe> ## Explanation by AI - The Barrow scale, proposed by physicist John D. Barrow, is a classification system that measures a civilization's level of [[technological advancement]] based on its ability to manipulate and control matter at increasingly smaller scales[1][2][3]. The scale consists of seven main categories[1][2][3]: - Type I-minus: Ability to manipulate objects on the scale of the [[civilization]] itself, such as using simple tools and building structures. - Type II-minus: Capability to control [[genetics|genetic]] [[information]] and alter the development of living things. - Type III-minus: Mastery over molecules and molecular bonds, enabling the creation of new materials. - Type IV-minus: Control of individual atoms, allowing for the development of advanced [[nanotechnology]] and [[artificial life]]. - Type V-minus: Manipulation of atomic nuclei and [[Engineering]] of nucleons. - Type VI-minus: Control over elementary particles like quarks and leptons in [[fundamental physics]] to create organized structures. - Type Omega-minus (Ω-minus): Ability to manipulate the fundamental structure of [[spacetime]]. The Barrow scale is often compared to the [[Kardashev scale]], which measures a civilization's technological advancement based on its energy consumption[3]. While the Kardashev scale focuses on the macro-level, the Barrow scale emphasizes the micro-level, suggesting that as civilizations advance, they will increasingly focus on manipulating matter at smaller scales[1][2]. Some argue that the Barrow scale may be a more accurate representation of technological progress, as it directly correlates with the development of advanced technologies like [[nanotechnology]] and [[Biotechnology]][1][2]. However, the scale remains largely theoretical, as the higher categories involve [[Technology|technologies]] that are currently beyond human [[Capability|capabilities]]. Citations: [1] [SETI: Musings on the Barrow Scale | Centauri Dreams](https://www.centauri-dreams.org/2023/12/12/seti-musings-on-the-barrow-scale/) [2] [Temporary Page](https://nhsjs.com/2023/evaluation-and-synthesis-of-four-extraterrestrial-civilization-classification-systems/) [3] [Kardashev scale - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kardashev_scale) [4] [Microdimensional | Kardashev Scale Wiki | Fandom](https://kardashev.fandom.com/wiki/Microdimensional)