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Summary - lecture chapter 3 -
Module
Philosophy and Contemporary Ideas (Liberty
University)
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While reading the Stark Trek synopsis I learned that just like in this episode there are
always two opposing sides just like in real life. According to Maddox, the robot “Data” does not
have feelings or a soul because he is a machine that was designed by humans. Therefore,
Maddox’s idea or should I say worldview would be behaviorism. Behaviorism states that mental
properties are an extension of the physical property they are not separate and are not independent
of each other. By the meaning of this theory and using it as Maddox’s view on Data, Maddox
sees Data has a machine that has no thoughts or feelings and cannot control when he should and
should not be operated on. According to Maddox, Data does not have a mind and does not poses
Dualism because he not a person.
On the other hand, Picard strongly believes that Data is a human and has human
characteristics. Picard possesses the Dualism theory. Dualism states that the mind and body are
two different things. Therefore, Picard believes that Data should be treated like he is human,
because he thinks Data carries emotions, thoughts and that he can have human relationships.
Picard also thinks that Data has a mind that functions differently than the human mind. Data’s
mind is capable of solving complex questions and problem solving and that Data can make his
own choices. By meaning of this theory Data is defined as a person and he has the right to
choose whether he wants to be left intact or not.
I agree with Maddox when he claims that Picard is being emotional and irrational. I
believe that if you create a robot you should not treat it as if it is a human being; however, if it is
proven that the robot does have feelings and emotions then you do not treat is horribly either.
This statement then becomes tricky. I believe that we were created by an intelligent being known
as God. He made our bodies, mind, and soul. I also believe that robots are not the same as
humans. You can program a robot to have feelings but it does not possess a soul made from God.
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Moreover, I am sure in the years to come there may be robots roaming our world maybe
something similar to the movie I Robot.
Word count: 391
