Is Data Human?: The Metaphysics of Star Trek

✍ Scribed by Richard Hanley

• Publisher: Basic Books
• Year: 1998
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 273
• Edition: 2
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Professor Richard Hanley faced the dilemma plaguing so many philosophy professors today—how to entice students into the classroom. Based upon his own successful course, Is Data Human presents a thoroughly unique and enjoyable way of introducing students to the basic concepts of philosophy as seen through the lens of Star Trek. From the nature of a person, of minds, and of consciousness, to ethics and morality, to the nature and extent of knowledge and free will, Hanley brings a fresh perspective to the contemporary debates concerning humankind's place in the world.Dare to boldly go where no philosophy professor has gone before—a classroom packed with eager and enthusiastic students.

✦ Table of Contents

Dedication
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction: The Philosophic Enterprise
Part I: New Life, New Civilizations
1 Prime Suspects
2 Insufficient Data
3 Pro Creation
Part II: Matters of Survival
4 To Beam or Not to Beam?
5 Personal Growth
6 Temporal Distortions
Epilogue: The Future
Bibliography
Index