Does Data have a mind?

An argument essay. In the Star Trek The Next Generation episode The Measure of Man (Season 2, Episode 9 available on Netflix, CBS All Access, and other streaming services) the android Lt. Commander Data undergoes a trial to determine if he has the right to choose whether or not to undergo an experimental procedure. A minimal requirement for having the right to choose is to have a mind. In the future, could an artificially intelligent android such as Data have a mind in the relevant sense? Why or why not? Why might someone disagree with you? Use at least two of the theories about the mind/body problem we discussed in class (dualism, type identity theory, or functionalism). Choose one theory that supports your position on whether Data has a mind and one that opposes your position. Explain why the theory you favor is better. This is the summary: The television series Star Trek The Next Generation was about a starship, the Enterprise, whose mission was to explore the galaxy. This ship was part of a larger organization known as Starfleet. Serving as a Lt. Commander on board the ship was an android named Data. Data was an extremely advanced and unique android even by the standards of 24th century science. He had a special processor known as a “positronic brain” that allowed him to mimic human behavior in an extremely accurate manner. As a result, not only could he process information at lightning speed and arrive at rational conclusions, he also seemed to have desires, interests, and inclinations. He could formulate relationships and make free choices. In this episode, Commander Bruce Maddox, a member of the scientific research division of Starfleet, arrives on board the Enterprise with orders for Data to be transferred to him for the purpose of being disassembled with the goal of learning more about “it” (Maddox refers to Data as “it”, not “him”, throughout the entire episode). His ultimate goal is to create an army of androids like Data which can serve the needs of Starfleet in space exploration. When Data learns that Maddox may not be able to reassemble him, he refuses to submit to the orders and is supported by Captain Picard, captain of the Enterprise and Data’s commanding officer. Picard argues that, as an officer on the Enterprise, Data has rights—among them the right to refuse to undergo an experimental procedure such as this. However, Picard is unsuccessful in getting the transfer orders rescinded and so Data resigns from Starfleet. Maddox takes legal action with the local JAG (Judge Advocate General) officer challenging Data’s resignation and arguing that Data is not a person with a right to resign, but, being a machine, “it” is the property of Starfleet. He argues “Would you permit the computer of the Enterprise to refuse a refit?” going on to claim that Picard’s reaction is, “emotional and irrational. You are endowing Data with human characteristics because it looks human, but it is not. If it were a box on wheels I would not be facing this opposition.” The JAG officer concurs with Maddox and rules that Data is the property of Starfleet and cannot resign or refuse to co-operate. Picard requests a hearing to challenge the ruling and is placed in the position of being the defending attorney for Data while his senior officer, Commander Riker, is given the unenviable job of prosecuting attorney. Riker opens his case by having Data define android which Data defines as “an automaton made to resemble a human being.” Riker emphasizes “automaton” and “resembles.” After demonstrating Data’s abilities as a machine, Riker summarizes his argument: