Paper Star Trek Essay Example for Free

Paper Star Trek EssayAs a result, not only could he process information at lightning speed and arrive at rational conclusions, he also seemed to switch desires, interests, and inclinations. He could formulate relationships and make free choices. In this episode, Commander Bruce Maddox, a member of the scientific look for division of Starfleet, arrives on board the Enterprise with orders for selective information to be transferred to him for the purpose of organism disassembled with the goal of reading more ab turn out it (Maddox refers to data as it, not him, throughout the entire episode). His ultimate goal is to puddle an army of androids like Data which can suffice the needs of Starfleet in space exploration. When Data learns that Maddox whitethorn not be able to reassemble him, he jibs to submit to the orders and is supported by Captain Picard, master copy of the Enterprise and Datas commanding policeman. Picard argues that, as an officer on the Enterprise, Data has r ightsamong them the right to refuse to undergo an experimental procedure such as this. However, Picard is unsuccessful in getting the transfer orders rescinded and so Data forfeits from Starfleet.Maddox takes legal action with the local JAG (Judge Advocate General) officer challenging Datas resignation and arguing that Data is not a person with a right to resign, but, being a form, it is the property of Starfleet. He argues Would you permit the computer of the Enterprise to refuse a refit? going on to claim that Picards reaction is, emotional and irrational. You are endowing Data with human characteristics because it looks human, but it is not. If it were a disaster on wheels I would not be facing this opposition. The JAG officer concurs with Maddox and rules that Data is the property of Starfleet and cannot resign or refuse to co-operate. Picard pick ups a hearing to challenge the ruling and is placed in the position of being the defending attorney for Data while his senior of ficer, Commander Riker, is given the unenviable job of prosecuting attorney. Riker opens his discipline by having Data define android which Data defines as an automaton made to resemble a human being. Riker emphasizes automaton and resembles. After demonstrating Datas abilities as a machine, Riker summarizes his argument The commander is a physical representation of a dream an idea conceived of by the mind of a man. Its purpose to serve human needs and interests. Its a collection of neural nets and heuristic algorithms. Its response impose by elaborate software written by a man. Its hardware built by a man. And now a man will shut it off. With that Riker reaches behind Data and turns the switch that shuts him protrude say Pinocchio is broken.His strings have been cut. During a recess in the proceedings, Picard consults with Guinan, a wise alien on board the Enterprise and amazes convinced that the real issue in this fountain is the creation of a hotfoot of Datas to be enslave d to do mans bidding. He believes this issue has been obscured behind a comfortable, easy euphemismproperty and is come upd to challenge that thinking. In his opening defense Picard acknowledges that Data is a machine but comments that this is irrelevant, We too are machines, just machines of a different type. He also acknowledges that, as Data was created by a human, so are we, Children are created from the building blocks of their parents DNA. Are they property? He thus asks Data a series of questions demonstrating that, like any person, he has wants and desires, values things, and forms deep personal relationships. Picard because calls Maddox to the stand and asks for the definition of a sentient being. Maddox offers three criteria Intelligence, self-awareness and consciousness. Picard goes on to ask Maddox to prove to the court that I am sentient.When Maddox claims that Picards sentience is obvious, Picard asks what the difference between himself and Data is. Maddox replies that Picard is self-aware (he acknowledges the first criteria of Datas intelligence) and defines self-aware as Conscious of your existence and actions. You are aware of yourself and your own ego. Picard turns to Data and asks him what he is shortly doing. Data replies, I am taking part in a legal hearing to determine my rights and status am I a person or property. When asked what is at stake, he replies, My right to choose. maybe my very life. Picard points out how often Data refers to himself in his reply, My rights, my status, my right to choose, my life. He seems reasonably self-aware to me. He therefore asks Maddox, What if Data can fulfill the last criteria, consciousness, in even the smallest degree? What is he then?Do you know? He asks the same question of Riker and the JAG officer and goes on to say, Starfleet was founded to seek out new life, well there it sits. Picard argues that if we create an army of Datas to do mans bidding, then Thousands of Datas become a race . Wont we be judged by how we treat that race? After considering the arguments, the JAG officer makes her final ruling It sits there looking at me and I dont know what it is. This case has dealt with metaphysics, with questions best left to saints and philosophers. I am neither competent nor qualified to answer those. just now Ive got to make a ruling to speak to the future. Is Data a machine? Yes.Is he the property of Starfleet? none We have been dancing around the basic issue Does Data have a soul? I dont know that he has. I dont know that I have. But I have got to give him the freedom to explore that question himself. It is the ruling of this court that Lt. Commander Data has the right to choose. Data exercises his right to refuse to undergo the procedure encouraging Maddox to continue his research. Maddox agrees to rescind his request for transfer, commenting about Data that Hes remarkable.