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Changes: Richter Scale of Culture

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The '''Richter Scale of Culture''' was a method of describing, quantifying and comparing the development and achievement of numerous disparate cultures encountered on different worlds.
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The '''Richter Scale of Culture''' was a method of describing, quantifying and comparing the development and achievement of numerous disparate cultures encountered on different worlds.
   
−
:''The Richter Scale of Culture is similar to the [[Technological/Sociopolitical Index]].''
 +
:''The Richter Scale of Culture is similar to the [[Technological/sociopolitical index]].''
   
 
==Usage==
  
==Usage==
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Developed by [[Dr.]] [[Alonzo Richter]] in the [[2200s]], it took into account information across a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. A Richter Scale descriptor could include up to three preface letters, 21 explanatory qualification digits, five exception letters, and twelve philosophical-comparison pointers. For most non-experts, the preface letter provided a generalized description of a cultures level, ranging from "AA" (no tool use) to "Q" (no technology beyond current [[Federation]] theoretical science). Beyond "Q" was "XX", describing a culture which appeared beyond understanding.
+
Developed by [[Dr.]] [[Alonzo Richter]] in the [[2200s]], it took into account information across a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. A Richter Scale descriptor could include up to three preface letters, 21 explanatory qualification digits, five exception letters, and twelve philosophical-comparison pointers. For most non-experts, the preface letter provided a generalized description of a cultures level, ranging from "AA" (no tool use) to "Q" (no technology beyond current [[Federation]] theoretical science). Beyond "Q" was "XX", describing a culture which appeared beyond understanding.
   
−
Alonzo Richter continued to refine his scale throughout the early and mid [[23rd century]], to the point of such complexity that only about 1000 specialist were able to formulate a rating for any given culture. The majority of these individuals were employed by [[Starfleet]]'s [[First Contact Office]]. ({{n|TOS|{{nd|Prime Directive}}}})
 +
Alonzo Richter continued to refine his scale throughout the early and mid [[23rd century]], to the point of such complexity that only about 1000 specialist were able to formulate a rating for any given culture. The majority of these individuals were employed by [[Starfleet]]'s [[First Contact Office]].
  +
  +
In [[2269]], events on [[Talin]] presented the possibility that Richter might have to invent a new level in his scale to account for the ability to be aware of [[subspace communication]] without being able to receive or transmit. ({{n|TOS|{{nd|Prime Directive}}}})
  +
  +
In [[2274]], the planet [[Helva]] was noted for having advanced two levels on the Richter scale in three [[year]]s, leap-frogging out of a stage of [[feudalism]]. Evaluations of such changes prompted an investigation by the {{uSS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}}. ({{n|TOS|The Prometheus Design}})
   
 
==Examples==
  
==Examples==
 
A society in the first level Bronze Age would be given a Richter Scale rating of A.345-34019-1 dr.1. ({{n|TOS|{{nd|Prime Directive}}}})
  
A society in the first level Bronze Age would be given a Richter Scale rating of A.345-34019-1 dr.1. ({{n|TOS|{{nd|Prime Directive}}}})
   
  +
The city-dwelling lowlanders of [[Kyros]] had a D+ on the scale, though the hill clans of that same planet were more primitive and thus might not qualify for the same rating. ({{n|TOS|Spock, Messiah!}})
⚫
Federation experts rated the [[Organian]]s at level "D minus" on the Richter Scale, presumably corresponding to an agrarian culture with hand or animal powered machinery, as this race initially presented themselves. ({{e|TOS|Errand of Mercy}})
 
  +
  ⚫
Federation experts rated the [[Organian]]s at level "D minus" on the Richter Scale, presumably corresponding to an agrarian culture with hand or [[animal]] powered machinery, as this race initially presented themselves. ({{e|TOS|Errand of Mercy}})
  +
  ⚫
Civilizations that are pre-[[subspace]] and use [[electromagnetism|electromagnetic]] [[radiation]] are close to rating C-451-5018-3 on Richter's scale of culture. ({{n|DS9|sub=Millennium|The Fall of Terok Nor}})
  +
  +
=== Scale levels ===
  +
As the scale is constantly tweaked, comparative ratings from differing sources conflict. Parentheses denote source year.
  +
  +
* '''AA''' : No tool use ([[2269]]) <ref name="Prime Directive">{{n|TOS|{{nd|Prime Directive}}}}</ref>
  +
* '''A-''' : Nomadic hunters <ref name="Star Trek Maps">{{r|ST|Star Trek Maps}}</ref>
  +
* '''A.345-34019-1 dr.1''' : [[Earth]] circa [[thousands of years ago|3000]] - [[thousands of years ago|2000]] B.C., first-level [[Bronze Age]] ([[2269]]) <ref name="Prime Directive" />
  +
* '''B-''' : [[barbarian|Barbarism]] <ref name="Star Trek Maps" />
  +
* '''C-''' : Earth circa [[thousands of years ago|2000]] B.C., [[Egypt]]'s Middle Kingdom ([[2274]]) <ref name="We Are Dying, Egypt, Dying">{{c|TOS|We Are Dying, Egypt, Dying}}</ref>
  +
* '''D+''' : [[feudalism|Feudal]] state <ref name="Star Trek Maps" />
  +
* '''B''' : Earth circa [[1485]] C.E. ([[2268]]) <ref name="Spock's Brain">{{e|TOS|Spock's Brain}}</ref>
  +
* '''C-''' : Earth circa [[16th century|1560]] - [[1600]], Elizabethan [[England]] <ref name="Star Trek Maps" />
  +
* '''Midrange''' : [[Radio]] [[technology]], fossil fuels, no atomic power ([[2266]]) <ref name="Future Imperfect">{{n|TOS|sub=The Janus Gate|{{nd|Future Imperfect}}}}</ref>
  +
* '''E+''' : Earth circa [[1950]] <ref name="Star Trek Maps" />
  +
* '''F''' : Earth circa [[1975]] - [[2000]] ([[2269]]) <ref name="Prime Directive" />
  +
* '''G''' : Earth circa [[2030]], rudimentary interplanetary flight ([[2268]]) <ref name="Star Trek Maps" /> <ref name="Spock's Brain" />
  +
* '''C-451-5018-3''' : [[Microwave]]s used for welding and [[communications]], no directed energy [[weapon]]s ([[2374]]) <ref name="The Fall of Terok Nor">{{n|DS9|sub=Millennium|The Fall of Terok Nor}}</ref>
  +
* '''G-''' : On the verge of interstellar flight ([[2360s]]) <ref name="Worlds of the Federation">{{r|ST|Worlds of the Federation}}</ref>
  +
* '''H''' : Point at which [[first contact]] could be made ([[2269]]) <ref name="Prime Directive" />
  +
* '''H+''' : Advanced technological societies <ref name="Star Trek Maps" />
  +
* '''Q''' : No [[technology]] beyond current [[Federation]] theoretical [[science]] ([[2269]]) <ref name="Prime Directive" />
  +
* '''XX''' : Culture beyond Federation understanding ([[2269]]) <ref name="Prime Directive" />
  +
  +
=== Cultural ratings ===
  +
* [[892-IV]]/[[Magna Roma]] ([[Magna Roman]]) : E+ <ref name="Star Trek Maps" />
  +
* [[Altair IV]] & [[Altair VI]] ([[Palkeo Est]]) : H <ref name="Star Trek Maps" />
  +
* [[Arcturus IV]] ([[Arcturian]]) : C- <ref name="Star Trek Maps" />
  +
* [[Canopus II]] : A+ <ref name="Star Trek Maps" />
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* [[Deneb II]] ([[Bandi]]) : G- ([[2360s]]) <ref name="Star Trek Maps" /> <ref name="Worlds of the Federation" />
  +
* [[Grex]] ([[Grexxan]]): Midrange ([[2266]]) <ref name="Future Imperfect" />
  +
* [[Kyros]] ([[Kyrosian]]) : D+ for [[city]] dwellers ([[2269]]) <ref name="Spock, Messiah!">{{n|TOS|Spock, Messiah!}}</ref>
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* [[Marcus II]] : F, declined to E- following [[nuclear]] [[war|wars]] <ref name="Star Trek Maps" />
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* [[Nador]] ([[Nadorian]]): B- ([[2267]]) <ref name="Gemini">{{n|TOS|Gemini}}</ref>
  +
* [[Neural]] ([[Neuralese]]): D- <ref name="Star Trek Maps" />
  +
* [[Omega IV]] ([[Omega IV native]]) : B- <ref name="Star Trek Maps" />
  +
* [[Organia]] ([[Organian]]) : D- ([[2267]]) <ref name="Star Trek Maps" /> <ref name="Worlds of the Federation">{{r|ST|Worlds of the Federation}}</ref> <ref name="Errand of Mercy">{{e|TOS|Errand of Mercy}}</ref> <ref name="Sacrifices of War">{{n|TOS|sub=Errand of Fury|Sacrifices of War}}</ref>
  +
* [[Regulus II]] ([[Regulun]]) : G+ <ref name="Star Trek Maps" />
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* [[Rigel VII]] ([[Kalar]]) : D+ <ref name="Star Trek Maps" />
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* [[Sigma Draconis III]] : B <ref name="Star Trek Maps" /> <ref name="Spock's Brain" />
  +
* [[Sigma Draconis IV]] : G <ref name="Star Trek Maps" /> <ref name="Spock's Brain" />
  +
* [[Sigma Iotia II]]/[[Iotia]] ([[Iotian]]) : E+ <ref name="Star Trek Maps" />
  +
  +
==Appendices==
  +
===References===
  +
* {{e|TOS|Errand of Mercy}}
  +
* {{e|TOS|Spock's Brain}}
  +
* {{e|DSC|Context is for Kings}}
  +
* {{n|TOS|Spock, Messiah!}}
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* {{n|TOS|{{nd|Prime Directive}}}}
  +
* {{n|TOS|The Prometheus Design}}
  +
* {{n|TOS|sub=The Janus Gate|{{nd|Future Imperfect}}}}
  +
* {{n|TOS|The Promethean Prophecy}}
  +
* {{n|TOS|Gemini}}
  +
* {{n|TOS|sub=Errand of Fury|Sacrifices of War}}
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* {{c|TOS|We Are Dying, Egypt, Dying}}
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* {{c|TOS|Mortal Gods}}
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* {{n|DS9|sub=Millennium|The Fall of Terok Nor}}
  +
* {{n|DSC|Fear Itself}}
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* {{r|ST|Worlds of the Federation}}
  +
* {{r|ST|Star Trek Maps}}
  +
<references />
   
  ⚫
===External link===
⚫
Civilizations that are pre-[[subspace]] and use electromagnetic radiation are close to rating C-451-5018-3 on Richter's scale of culture. ({{n|DS9|The Fall of Terok Nor}})
  
  +
*{{Memoryalpha|Richter's scale of cultures}}
⚫
==External Links==
  
−
*{{Memoryalpha}}
  
 
[[Category:Science]]
  
[[Category:Science]]
 
[[Category:Culture]]
  
[[Category:Culture]]

Revision as of 22:26, 13 August 2020

The Richter Scale of Culture was a method of describing, quantifying and comparing the development and achievement of numerous disparate cultures encountered on different worlds.

The Richter Scale of Culture is similar to the Technological/sociopolitical index.

Usage

Developed by Dr. Alonzo Richter in the 2200s, it took into account information across a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. A Richter Scale descriptor could include up to three preface letters, 21 explanatory qualification digits, five exception letters, and twelve philosophical-comparison pointers. For most non-experts, the preface letter provided a generalized description of a cultures level, ranging from "AA" (no tool use) to "Q" (no technology beyond current Federation theoretical science). Beyond "Q" was "XX", describing a culture which appeared beyond understanding.

Alonzo Richter continued to refine his scale throughout the early and mid 23rd century, to the point of such complexity that only about 1000 specialist were able to formulate a rating for any given culture. The majority of these individuals were employed by Starfleet's First Contact Office.

In 2269, events on Talin presented the possibility that Richter might have to invent a new level in his scale to account for the ability to be aware of subspace communication without being able to receive or transmit. (TOS novel: Prime Directive)

In 2274, the planet Helva was noted for having advanced two levels on the Richter scale in three years, leap-frogging out of a stage of feudalism. Evaluations of such changes prompted an investigation by the USS Enterprise. (TOS novel: The Prometheus Design)

Examples

A society in the first level Bronze Age would be given a Richter Scale rating of A.345-34019-1 dr.1. (TOS novel: Prime Directive)

The city-dwelling lowlanders of Kyros had a D+ on the scale, though the hill clans of that same planet were more primitive and thus might not qualify for the same rating. (TOS novel: Spock, Messiah!)

Federation experts rated the Organians at level "D minus" on the Richter Scale, presumably corresponding to an agrarian culture with hand or animal powered machinery, as this race initially presented themselves. (TOS episode: "Errand of Mercy")

Civilizations that are pre-subspace and use electromagnetic radiation are close to rating C-451-5018-3 on Richter's scale of culture. (DS9 - Millennium novel: The Fall of Terok Nor)

Scale levels

As the scale is constantly tweaked, comparative ratings from differing sources conflict. Parentheses denote source year.

Cultural ratings

Appendices

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 TOS novel: Prime Directive
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 ST reference: Star Trek Maps
  3. ↑ TOS comic: "We Are Dying, Egypt, Dying"
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 TOS episode: "Spock's Brain"
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 TOS - The Janus Gate novel: Future Imperfect
  6. ↑ DS9 - Millennium novel: The Fall of Terok Nor
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 ST reference: Worlds of the Federation
  8. ↑ TOS novel: Spock, Messiah!
  9. ↑ TOS novel: Gemini
  10. ↑ TOS episode: "Errand of Mercy"
  11. ↑ TOS - Errand of Fury novel: Sacrifices of War

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