Free Critical Thinking On Star Trek: The Next Generation

The movie talks about an evolutionary machine that pioneers the next generation of machines. The main issue discussed on this thriller is whether machines with such ability that so closely resembles human beings should be allowed to choose their destiny. The metaphysical problem involves the state of being of Data, which is a next generation machine.
Data is essentially a machine; however, its ability to capture human emotions and to create relationships with people makes it a unique machine. While Data remains a machine and not human, it is very important to realize that he can communicate and express his feelings. This makes him a “he” and not an “it.” Since Data is able to make his own decisions and has a sense of consciousness him a unique machine with human-like capabilities and hence cannot be treated like any other machines without feelings. It is; therefore, correct to say that reproducing many of these machines would result to a creation of a new race.
Since this movie is dealing with the state of being, it can be said to be metaphysical. The state of being represents a fundamental aspect of philosophy that still continues to engross many scholars of the metaphysical problems. From this movie, human beings can learn that the state of being is a critical aspect of any life form, representing a fundamental issue to be considered when considering fundamental rights. I am of the view that the JAG officer was right in offering Data the right to refuse since he was proven to be aware of his being.