Data's entry into Starfleet....

[Founder]

In one episode didn't they question the sentiance of Data? If Starfleet deemed him unsentient then why did they let him join Starfleet? I don't know alot about his backstory. Perhaps his creater, Soong, enlisted him? Anyone know? Or do you not have to be sentient to join Starfleet?

Another question pertaining to this. Data is an Android with alot of advancements. Super fast thinking abilities. Doesn't need air. Requiers no sleep. Super human strength. Tons of other stuff that puts him over other officers. They permitted him entry into Starfleet. Yet they don't allow augments or genetically engineered people. I.E. Bashir into Starfleet for their enhancements. What is the difference here?

[Defiant]

The Measure of the Man

When the U.S.S. Enterprise arrives at the newly established Starbase 173, Data is ordered to serve under Captain Bruce Maddox, who wishes to disassemble and study him so that more androids can be made for Starfleet's use.

But after Data learns that Maddox may not be able to reassemble him, he refuses to submit to the procedure. When Captain Picard is unable to have the orders changed, Data's only option is to resign from Starfleet. His decision to resign, however, is challenged by Maddox on the basis that Data is not a person with rights, but property of the Federation.

The J.A.G. (Judge Advocate General) officer of the starbase, Phillipa Louvois, an old acquaintance of Picard, rules that Maddox's contention is supported by a twenty-first century precedent. Picard announces that he will challenge that ruling at a hearing. Insufficiently staffed, Phillipa explains that as senior officer, Picard would have to defend Data, while the next most senior officer, Riker, would have to prosecute. A stickler for the law, Phillipa warns that if Riker does not give his best effort, she will summarily rule in favor of Maddox.

Faced with no other choice, Riker must contend in his prosecution that Data is simply a machine � the creation of man � and dramatically emphasizes his point by approaching Data from behind and switching him off, leaving him lifeless in his seat. Certain of his defeat, Picard has a discussion with Guinan and she suggests that the Federation's desire to create and own a race of disposable androids is the recreation of slavery.

Making an impassioned plea for Data's freedom, Picard declares that in a sense, all beings are created but that does not necessarily make them the property of their creator. Phillipa agrees with him, asserting that Data may be a machine, but he is owned by no one and has the right to make his own decisions regarding his life.

[Founder]

Thanks for the info Defiant. What I mean was how did he join in the first place? Before all that.

[Omet'Ikilan]

actually yes he did...I read in one of my books that he had considered many careers but decided that he would be most efficient in StarFleet and it would also give him the opportunity to achieve his prime goal faster....To Become More Human

[Founder]

But my question is how did he enter Starfleet in the first place? They let androids enter? If so, then why don't they let Augments enter?

[Omet'Ikilan]

huh good questions....maybe because Data looks talks walks and acts human enough to be considered human...but realy i dont know...

[John Connor]

I wonder that too like how did he get into starfleet and yet what were his previous ships and postions and how did he get to his rank.

[senor boogie woogie]

Hola!

Data was not used very effectively either. He was basically the Head Helmsman, the dude who actually piloted the ship. When he was needed for something, a young ensign was taking his place. He was basically a walking, talking calculator, and somewhat of a nerd.

There was a movie called "Bicentennial Man" with Robin Williams about a robot that was produced to be a housekeeper, but he was a special robot who had feelings and creative abilities (he enjoyed woodworking). He was originally owned by a family called the Martin's and became very close with Mr. Martin and his daughter "Little Miss". Little Miss had a mean, cruel older sister. When Mr. Martin was dying, he called for the robot Andrew, they had a falling out because Andrew wished his freedom from the household, although most of the household considered him a member of the family and not a servent. However, when Andrew arrived, the bitchy older sister announced "It's here.", instead of "He's here." He is not human, thus worthy of the dehumanization.

Is there any legislation about the legal rights of non life? Probably if robots are manufactured to resemble humans and they carry out human tasks (I believe this will happen in about 25-50 years). However one could counter argue that once the technology will become available to the wider market, it is cheaper just to hire a poor person or a third world person to do the dusting and cleaning because humans work much cheaper. I predict that robot/human regualtions and laws will be hot topic at the start of the 22nd century (I'll be dead then)

Senor

[Theresa]

[Oliver]

Wow, Theresa posted in the TNG forum! I thought you hated TNG???

Anyway, good question. I think there's a huge difference between a complete android and 'upgraded' humans. Data is not a cyborg, half human half machine, he is an android that happens to be sentient. I don't see why he isn't allowed to enter Starfleet.

I think they just wanted to prevent humans to start upgrading or enhancing themselves. Where will it end?

[Theresa]

That could be true, but they also should do it on a case by case basis. It's not like Julian had any control over what happened to him, or even knowledge.

And I do hate TNG,

[Oliver]

[Theresa]

No, but had they found out earlier, he would have never had the opportunity.


And yes, I totally know what I'm missing,