I am attaching here a request from Kevin Kelly, one of the founders of WIRED Magazine and the Whole Earth Catalogue. An interesting query re classification of alien races. I already mentioned CONTACTING ALIENS and my Exorarium project. Whatever paper he come up with may also be of interest to the new Science Fiction Musuem. Please help him if any of you can.
thanks db
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KK:
For a book I am now writing, I am seeking known classification systems of civilizations, either fictional or scholarly. An example of one system would be Nikolai Kardashev's 1964 categorization of civilization types that is apparently used by SETI. There is also the corresponding system used within Star Trek.
I am not looking for narrative details; my interest is in the various conceptual thresholds which are chosen for the stages. Ideally I'd like a single chart or table that contained all systems and their corresponding levels. Second best would be a list of sources from which such a table to be derived.
This seems such a logical and productive exercise in the study of science fiction that I am hoping somebody has already hammered out a paper or webpage on this, and that you can point me to it.
If nonesuch exists and I must assemble one myself, I'd be very happy to post what I come up with if I can be guided to the right sources.
Thanks in advance, -- -- Kevin Kelly [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
