The Neo-Kardashev Scale: A Thermodynamic Framework for Regenerative Civilizations

Key Points

• To redefine the concept of civilizational advancement by focusing on the capacity to enhance biological complexity instead of energy consumption.
• Critique existing Kardashev Scale and its implications for sustainability.
• Introduce the concept of the Neo-Kardashev Scale based on thermodynamic principles.
• Define 'negentropic enhancement capacity' as a measure of progress.
• Highlight the inadequacies of energy-focused metrics in defining progress.
• Establish a foundation for assessing civilizations based on their ability to increase biological organization.
• Suggest a shift in how civilizations should be evaluated to ensure long-term ecological sustainability.

Abstract