Is Data human? : the metaphysics of Star Trek

Professor Richard Hanley faced the dilemma plaguing so many philosophy professors today—how to entice students into the classroom. Based upon his own successful course, Is Data Human presents a thoroughly unique and enjoyable way of introducing students to the basic concepts of philosophy as seen through the lens of Star Trek. From the nature of a person, of minds, and of consciousness, to ethics and morality, to the nature and extent of knowledge and free will, Hanley brings a fresh perspective to the contemporary debates concerning humankind’s place in the world.Dare to boldly go where no philosophy professor has gone before—a classroom packed with eager and enthusiastic students. "When is it okay to violate Star Fleet's Prime Directive? Is it cheating to be a telepathic psychiatrist? Is it possible to occupy someone else's body?" "Wouldn't it be great fun to look back at the carefully crafted philosophical constraints that guide all Federation behavior, except this time do so through the eyes of a trained philosopher?" "Filled with examples from all the best episodes, this book is for anyone who has ever found himself replaying, alone or with a fellow Trekker, an episode's philosophical challenges - for instance, whether or not Data is sentient (if so, what about Lore?); whether Captain Picard violated the Prime Directive to save the life of Wesley Crusher; or whether or not Tuvix had a right to live even if it meant the end of Tuvok and Neelix." "Among the reasons the shows have such loyal followers is the complexity of the moral dilemmas within which the captain and crew of the Enterprise, Voyager, and Deep Space Nine must fit their behavior. Also contributing to the series' special appeal has been the way in which the show evolved to allow Captains Janeway and Sisko to handle the new problems they encounter, many very different from those that taxed the philosophical integrity of Kirk or Picard."--BOOK JACKET. Dedication Contents Acknowledgments Introduction: The Philosophic Enterprise Part I: New Life, New Civilizations 1 Prime Suspects 2 Insufficient Data 3 Pro Creation Part II: Matters of Survival 4 To Beam or Not to Beam? 5 Personal Growth 6 Temporal Distortions Epilogue: The Future Bibliography Index Science fiction is used to explore moral and ethical issues, here the author explores episodes of STAR TREK, THE NEXT GENERATION, VOYAGER and DEEP SPACE NINE in an attempt to unravel the philosophical questions they raise. Hanley offers an original view of the successful STAR TREK series.