HOW TO GAIN HUMANITY AS A POST HUMAN

02/15/26

I’ve only just begun my journey of watching all the way through Star Trek: The Next Generation, but I’ve already fallen into its pseudo-scientific whimsy, elaborate technobabble, and randomly intense philosophical themes. While I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve seen so far, one episode in particular caught my eye. “The Measure of a Man”, widely regarded as one of the best TNG episodes of all time, became my favorite of the small bunch I’ve watched. The entirety of the episode examines Data’s right to choose being stripped from him and questions what makes something property or sentient. By examining the episode "The Measure of a Man", we can see how Star Trek: The Next Generation advances a posthumanist argument, challenging the humanist assumption of exclusive humanity. 

The episode begins by setting up the dilemma at hand, the direct issue that Data will face for the remainder of the episode. First, let me define exclusive humanity. It’s the concept that human beings are unique in that they have a superior moral status, a separation from other animals via a divine nature, and advanced cognitive capacity. At the beginning of the episode, Commander Maddox, a cyberneticist, gained the support of his commanding officer to reverse-engineer Data so he could build a positronic brain. Even though Data found his plan to be intensely flawed, Maddox had already ordered Data to be transferred to from the USS Enterprise into his command. Maddox’s whole philosophy going into this interaction was that Data was not a sentient being, thereby he could be told what to do with little to no objection. He, for nearly the entire episode, calls Data ‘it’. Prior to this, Maddox attempted to deny Data entry into the Starfleet Academy, again based on the assumption that Data did not have and could not gain sentience. His assumption, based in humanism, asserted that non-human/humanoid beings could be used to further human goals and desires because they did not retain the traits exclusive to humanity. This seems to be the notion that many others in Starfleet command believe, including Vice Admiral Nakamura, Captain Louvois, and initially, Captain Picard.

After the meeting with Riker and Maddox where the plan is laid out, Captain Picard tries to convince Data to submit to the procedure. He asks Data the hypothetical, “What if Commander Maddox is correct, there is a possibility that many more beings, such as yourself could be constructed?” Data, whose sass alone makes him sentient, asks Picard why cybernetic eyes, like LaForge’s, aren’t made standard for every Starfleet officer. Picard turns away, wrestling with the question. Data then says, “I see. It is precisely because I am not human.” Data knows that as a non-human, he is subject to being treated differently, and in the current case, to having his rights stripped away. Picard would never ask any of his human/humanoid officers to submit to such an absurd request, but due to the fact that Data isn’t human, he expects him to give in. As is seen throughout the series, Data is a friend to most of the crew he’s close to, a sentient being to most if not all. So then why is his humanity at risk of being taken from him? His dignity? Data decides that it would be best if he resigned, so that he has a hope of retaining both. 

With Data’s resignation comes the ultimate conflict. Maddox and Capt. Louvois tells Data that he cannot resign, as he is Starfleet property. Data and Picard are, understandably, shocked by this. “How can a sentient being be property?”; the main question running through their heads. As a result, the most important scene in the entire episode is set up, the court battle between humanism and posthumanism.

The court scene begins with Commander Riker's examination of the witness, Data, encapsulating the power of man over machine, a direct idea of humanist thought. Riker first asks Data who built him. Data, of course, explains that he was built by a human. Straight out of the gate, Riker makes it known to the court that as an android, Data is under the full power of human beings, especially because he was created by one. In a subsequent demonstration, Riker says, "I request to be allowed [lengthy pause for dramatic effect] to remove the commander's hand." Picard objects, but hastily backs down. He removes Data's hand, dramatic music and all, to explain that Data was the idea of a man, a dream. Riker says that Data's only purpose is to serve man and fulfil his needs and interests. This is the most standard humanist approach. Human beings are above all, everything below them subject to servitude. Data's software was written by a man, every response dictated by said software, and thus by man. Man’s control over everything around him, or the preconceived notion of it, is reflected in Riker’s humanist perspective. Because Data is not in control of the situation at hand, he does not have humanity. He is under the boot of humanity, subject to its every desire, but does not have it. Data is property to be toyed with. Commander Riker’s final blow comes as a grotesque and deeply disturbing display of power. He turns Data off. "Pinocchio is broken. Its strings have been cut." Riker again wants to show how man dictates every move Data makes. He has the right to cut the puppet's strings, leaving him in a heap on the floor. Without the puppet master (man),  the automaton cannot function, its predetermined instructions halted. 

Picard follows up by examining Data, then Commander Maddox. He recaps Riker's arguments, explaining how they are irrelevant. Yes, Data is a machine. But we are all machines, just of a different type. Yes, Data was created by a human. But we were all created by humans. This is deeply posthuman. Picard centers it on the fact that man and machine are essentially one in the same, there isn't and shouldn't be a hierarchy. Posthumanism tries to shift the focus from the eminence of man to the significance of the relationship between man and technology. Picard then goes through the items that Data packed in his box when he decided to resign. His medals, the book Picard gifted him, and the hologram of a human woman. Picard asks Data why he has a portrait of this woman. Data explains that they were "intimate". Would you look at that! Data fornicated with a human. Proves his humanity, right? Not entirely-let's keep going. Picard calls Commander Maddox to the stand and asks why he wants to dismantle Data. To learn of course! But why? So that he could build hundreds, if not thousands more. The mind goes back to Picard and Data’s interaction from earlier in the episode. How come Data is vulnerable to this treatment, but no one else is? Picard asks Maddox that if more Datas were to be built, wouldn't the treatment of this new "race" be judged? Quick sidebar–Picard motioned for a recess after Riker’s examination of Data, finding himself at the bar. Guinan, the bartender, sits down with Picard to discuss the case. She explains to him the implications of a sentient being being reduced to property, alluding to the slavery of her ancestors. If Maddox were to win the case, this would become new law, placing Data and any other androids in Starfleet without the rights and freedoms to match their sentience. End sidebar. Picard shapes his argument on this idea. He argues that humanoids are not the master race, other sentient beings cannot be the property of man. In post-humanist thought even animals have inalienable rights, so why don't androids?  The decision in the courtroom would curtail the rights of Data if ruled with the prosecution, trapping him in servitude and slavery. His wants and needs would be completely disregarded. No rights. No freedoms. No humanity. Picard's final point delves into the very goal of Starfleet; to seek out new life. "Well there it sits!" Humans are not the only life that has wants and needs, rights and autonomy. They are no longer the only focus. 

The judge, Capt. Louvois finishes by siding with Data and Picard. While the question of Data’s sentience was not answered, we can assume that he meets Maddox’s qualifications for what it means to be. Louvois basis for her decision is that she needs to grant Data the freedom to explore the question of having a soul, challenging the humanist perspective of exclusive humanity. Posthumanism is a theme wrapped up in much of the series, though I believe that “The Measure of a Man” represents it the best. Then again, I’ve only seen a total of 5 episodes so far. Data’s story (in this episode) is a representation of posthuman ideals and how they reframe the focus from human exceptionalism to include the achievements of something other than man, whatever that may be. In the case of Data, it’s finding what makes him great.

Well alright! This was written for a class by the way. I didn't have time to write an actual post this week. I got sick again and had to write way too much. But this should be interesting enough...I hope. TNG is a genuinely entertaining and interesting show. I think I'm on my way to becoming a Trekie.

"To boldly go where no one has gone before." | See you next week...

Cheers,

Jack

P.S. I'll be in New York at the IBS Conference and Awards this weekend. Expect a post recapping my time there soon.