CRITICAL THINKING DISCUSSION PROJECT
(Phil 1301)
WHAT TO DO: 1. Read the article Below based on the movie, Star Trek: The Next Generation “The
Measure of a Man”. You may watch the TWO EPISODES BELOW, link at youtube video
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjuQRCG_sUw)(https://www.youtube.com/watc
h?v=H7E5cT4foA8)
2. Discuss in this paper the following (1 paragraph for each):
a. (Par 1)What is the story about, what is the main issue discussed in the movie
thriller? Describe the metaphysical problem involved in the story?
b. (Par 2) Who is really “Data”—what do you think is the identity of this “being”
in the world (if this is truly real)? Why? Can I used “he” or “it” to describe such
being? Is he human? Is it a machine? What makes him unique machine?
Characterize Data being a machine has human being’s qualities. What are
these qualities? Reproducing many of this machines can be called a “race”?
Is this correct?
c. (Par 3) Data refused to undergo procedures to be examined, to be
dismantled, and be reproduced? Is he/it free? What does it mean for him to
be free? Discuss the issues for granting Data his right to refuse, or shall anyone
force him to undergo the procedures? Why?
d. (Par 4) Is this movie metaphysical? Is this a fundamental problem of
philosophy? A metaphysical problem? What can you conclude as important
for us humans to learn from the movie? At the end, JAG officer made a
ruling. Is the ruling right granting Data his right to refuse? Comment on this?
3. No online/email submission. Submit discussion result after class Grade: A (25) , A- (23), B
(21), B- (19), C (15) D (10). No paper (0).
