This was the first episode of Star Trek I have ever watched, as it was assigned for my philosophy class at UB. Words cannot explain the power of this episode. It directly touches on the concepts of dualism, individualism, and identity. The parallels between the scenarios in this episode and in philosopher Bernard Williams' identity thought- experiments are too strong not to mention.
If this episode peaked your interest, I strongly recommend that you look into Frank Jackson's argument of knowledge. There is a wonderful YouTube video that illustrates it (search "Frank Jackson - The Knowledge Experiment - Mary's Room). It's a short video that perfectly explains the validity of Data's concern over losing the substance (definition: Qualia) of his memories despite retaining the knowledge of them.
I think it's safe to say that this will not be the last Star Trek episode I watch.
If this episode peaked your interest, I strongly recommend that you look into Frank Jackson's argument of knowledge. There is a wonderful YouTube video that illustrates it (search "Frank Jackson - The Knowledge Experiment - Mary's Room). It's a short video that perfectly explains the validity of Data's concern over losing the substance (definition: Qualia) of his memories despite retaining the knowledge of them.
I think it's safe to say that this will not be the last Star Trek episode I watch.