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CRITICAL THINKING PAPER 2 GUIDE

Reflection Paper on Metaphysics

(Phil 1301)

PROF. J. COQUILLA, MA

Instructor

Star Trek: The Next Generation

“The Measure of a Man” 1[1]

Most of us are aware that the television series Star Trek was about a starship, the Enterprise,

whose mission was to explore the galaxy. This ship was part of a larger organization known

as Starfleet. Serving as a Lt. Commander on board the ship was an android named Data.

Data was an extremely advanced and unique android even by the standards of 24th

century science. 

He had a special processor known as a “positronic brain” that allowed him

to mimic human behavior in an extremely accurate manner. As a result, not only could he

process information at lightning speed and arrive at rational conclusions, he also seemed to

have desires, interests, and inclinations. He could formulate relationships and make free

choices.

In this episode, Commander Bruce Maddox, a member of the scientific research division of

Starfleet, arrives on board the Enterprise with orders for Data to be transferred to him for the

purpose of being disassembled with the goal of learning more about “it” (Maddox refers to

Data as “it”, not “him”, throughout the entire episode). His ultimate goal is to create an army

of androids like Data which can serve the needs of Starfleet in space exploration. 

When

Data learns that Maddox may not be able to reassemble him, he refuses to submit to the

orders and is supported by Captain Picard, captain of the Enterprise and Data’s

commanding officer. Picard argues that, as an officer on the Enterprise, Data has rights—

among 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However, Picard is unsuccessful in getting the transfer orders rescinded and so Data resigns

from Starfleet.

Maddox takes legal action with the local JAG (Judge Advocate General) officer

challenging Data’s resignation and arguing that Data is not a person with a right to resign,

but, being a machine, “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 Picard’s reaction is,

“emotional and irrational. You are endowing Data with human characteristics because it

looks human, but it is not. If it were a box 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 requests a hearing to challenge the ruling and

1[1] Star Trek The Next Generation, “The Measure of a Man,” episode 35, written by Melinda Snodgrass and directed by Robert

is placed in the position of being the defense attorney for Data while his senior officer,

Commander Riker is given the unenviable job of prosecuting attorneys.

Riker opens his case by having Data define android which Data defines as “an automaton

made to resemble a human being.” Riker emphasizes “automaton” and “resembles.” After

demonstrating Data’s abilities as a machine, Riker summarizes his argument:

JOURNAL 2 PART 1 - READ CH 5, SECTION 5.2 REALITY ACCORDING

TO PLATO

READING:   MAKE 5 SUMMARY STATEMENTS ON PLATO'S METAPHYSICS

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE 5 SUMMARY POINTS ON PLATO'S IDEAS

ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS BELOW. Make sure you listen to video

below on Allegory of the Cave. Copy and Paste the question first.

1.  EXPLAIN PLATO'S "TWO WORLDS" --WORLD OF BEING (Form) AND WORLD

OF BECOMING (matter)? COMPARE THE TWO WORLDS BY ITS

CHARACTERISTICS.

2. HOW CAN ONE KNOW THE WORLD OF MATTER FOR PLATO? HOW CAN ONE

KNOW  THE WORLD OF FORM FOR PLATO? Answer this: How can one achieve

knowledge in each world by analyzing the DIVIDED LINE (p. 241).

 3.  EXPLAIN WHY THE TRUE WORLD FOR PLATO IS NOT EXPERIENTIAL, BUT

ONLY KNOWN THROUGH REFLECTION, REMEMBERING AND BY THE

INTELLECT?