The Measure of a Man. TNG Debate.

[sectumsempra225]

I'm sorry if this has been done already. sweatdrop

I was just wondering where you TNG fans (or others) stand on this pivotal issue: Is Lt. Comm. Data the property of Starfleet?

While it is ideal that one has seen the episode "The Measure of a Man," it is certainly not required.

I will stand on the sidelines for a little bit. I want to see where you guys take this. wink

The Issue:
Is Lt. Comm. Data the property of Starfleet?

The Positions:

Yes: Data is a machine, built by a man in the same manner Pinocchio was built by a man. He has no rights and is the property of Starfleet, and must subject himself to be disassembled, studied and possibly replicated.

No: Data chose to join Starfleet, and therefore, has the right to choose to not be disassembled. He is a sentient being with inalienable rights and is not the property of Starfleet.

Let the debate begin! biggrin  

[goddess_oraorchid]

It's kinda like the situation asking weather the doctor in Voyager is just a hologram to be toyed with.

Data is sentient and has the ability to learn and reason, therefore I believe he is his own person and has rights. I do not think he should be considered starfleet property at anytime  

[purple_freak15]

I think that Data is defenatly not Starfleet property. He choose to join Starfleet, and he could choose to leave. If his maker had sold him to Starfleet it would be different, but because it was Data's choice I think that he's his own person (or android in this case). Plus, he has feelings and emotions (well, later on he does) so that means he's practically a person. You wouldn't cut up a live person to study then and then put them back together.  

[Katina Star]

Data is NOT property. He can think and decide for himself. Dr. Soong didn't build him to be a slave. He gave him the same potential to grow and learn that any human would have.

Besides, they already ruled in his favor in the episode so there razz  

[Red Roses in December]

I think that Data is a sentient being, and thathe is not the property of Starfleet. If you don't beleive me, ask the writers of TNG. They agree with me.  

[pcoppage]

Of course not. Data is a setient being. But he is the pwnege twisted twisted  

[aviator1989]

Data is most definitely a sentient being! Granted he was made by Dr. Soong. Be we all are made. His is just a unique situation. And he can not be property of starfleet, because it was HIS decision to join. He can think and act on his own behalf. He is indeed a sentient being!

cool  

[startrekadmiral]

I like Data, and if you don't like Data, then bugger off!  

[Saoraan]

I personally believe that Data, being a thinking, logical, rational being who is capable of higher thought and decision making is definitely a sentient being who should not be considered anyones property.  

[sectumsempra225]

I totally agree with the idea that he is a sentient being, but...

ALRIGHT! Who voted he is the property of Starfleet? Show yourself! biggrin  

[Shopping_Spree_101]

wasn't me. I voted he isn't. Yeah, who did vote yes?  

[Naphatarie]

firefactorx

I totally agree with the idea that he is a sentient being, but...

ALRIGHT! Who voted he is the property of Starfleet? Show yourself! biggrin

Me. By accident... PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!! *Cowers*  

[Edge3]

The machine and creation is Dr. Soongs property and respect. The mind and learniing intellect is all Data! He has free will and personal rights. Therefore, Data cannot be the property of Star Fleet. talk2hand  

[Shopping_Spree_101]

Naphatarie

firefactorx

I totally agree with the idea that he is a sentient being, but...

ALRIGHT! Who voted he is the property of Starfleet? Show yourself! biggrin

Me. By accident... PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!! *Cowers*

by accident? oh ok that's ok then smile  

[sensei_ken]

It seems like everyone believes that Data is not property. Most have cited that he is not because of his ability to think on his own.

Some scientists believe that we will have a true AI in the next 20 years. More believe that it will happen within our life time. What then. Do most believe that the intelligences that we create, if proven to be so, also have rights as individuals?