Similarities Between Picard And Maddox's View Of Dualism
429 Words2 Pages
In this episode, Picard and Maddox’s worldview clash because they have slightly different view on the ways to distinguish human from machine. It seems like
Maddox has the view of Emergentism.First of all, Emergentism is a view saying that “the human mind or soul is produced by the human brain and is not a separate element added to the brain from the outside… [At the same time], the mind is distinct from the brain and its activities are not completely explainable in terms of brain function” (73). Picard has the view of Dualism according to the synopsis of the Star Trek episode. Hasker also writes that “Dualism begins by taking quite seriously the fact that human beings have both physical properties and mental properties” (65)”. So Data has two personalities, both machine and person at the same time.…show more content… Also, if computers become conscious, they will soon gain self-awareness. I think being emotional, having sympathetic feeling, and possibly being creative are some characteristics of a person.
In the course of human history, technological development is inevitable. If we are capable of making an A.I. similar to the one in the story, then it will be hard not to be tempted to reach such high level of artificial intelligence. Considering Siri, I suppose that in 40 years, I will be talking to an A.I. more than I talk to a man.
I think Maddox is right when he claimed that Picard is being “irrational and emotional” in his view of data, but I do not think there is anything wrong with being “irrational and emotional”, because that is the unique aspect of human being. Rationally speaking, Jesus Christ should not have been died on the cross. We should not even be saved because we are sinners if things only worked rationally.
I agree with the JAG officers’ final ruling because I think Picard was right about