This a another in a series of episodes (of Star Trek: Next Generation and others) displaying technical ignorance about computers and deriving thereby erroneous moral conclusions.
A computer is a machine programmed by people to perform according to a set of rules - called a program. The program by definition is a compilation of preset logical pathways that lead to the (hopefully) desired results. This is no different than a calculator or a modern washing machine with a digital control panel. It is certainly not a life form.
Now, many ignorant people will interject: what about artificial intelligence? And what about self-awareness? Don't these give a computer the type of intelligence and self-concern that a person has?
The answer is a resounding: NO.
Artificial intelligence means that the program has added levels of analysis algorithms and the ability to select and combine from experience and hypothetical possibilities. This simulates human creativity, but ONLY to the degree, and governed by, the programmed instruction that were devised by a human being with the inherent limitations of his understanding, limited time and finite logic. The AI computer will be a mechanical and very very limited simulation of what the human programmed - including his own errors and finite understanding. Again: not a life form , but a limited simulation, with NO mind or identity of its own.
Next, someone will ask: what if we program self-awareness into the computer (or android)? The answer is that the "self-awareness mechanisms" are just that: mechanisms, programmed routines whereby the computer or robot has pre-conceived, limited guidelines to "take care" of its own survival. Again: pre-programmed - not emotions or identity-driven. Even the ability to change its own program or add to its own physical systems would be mechanisms that are pre-programmed and bounded by the understanding and limited capabilities of the finite lines of programming coded by the programmer.
No matter how sophisticated the algorithms or powerful the computing power, programmed machines are no more than virtual reality - like a great actor that portrays a character in a totally believable way. No matter how well done, we all know that he couldn't even remotely live his actual life externally and particularly emotionally, as that character - because it is a pre-written limited role that is narrowly defined by the writer - NOT a full-depth and independent unpredictable person with a will of its own. Therefore the actor can at best only give a limted performance for a given defined set of circumstances that the writer conceived and "programmed".
Such are the attempt to "create" self-aware AI robots. They are unfathomably limited in their choices, can be given only a pre-conceived simulated identity and can only simulate a person. This is why the writers of such shows usually endow the important robots "characters", like Data, with simulated personalities, physical attractiveness and "cute" mannerisms, so as to enhance believability in their "humanity", as a great actor would do. They are both nothing but illusions.
The attempt to classify such virtual reality robots as life forms is an expression of ignorance and an assault on the dignity and value of true life forms, particularly sentient beings.
A computer is a machine programmed by people to perform according to a set of rules - called a program. The program by definition is a compilation of preset logical pathways that lead to the (hopefully) desired results. This is no different than a calculator or a modern washing machine with a digital control panel. It is certainly not a life form.
Now, many ignorant people will interject: what about artificial intelligence? And what about self-awareness? Don't these give a computer the type of intelligence and self-concern that a person has?
The answer is a resounding: NO.
Artificial intelligence means that the program has added levels of analysis algorithms and the ability to select and combine from experience and hypothetical possibilities. This simulates human creativity, but ONLY to the degree, and governed by, the programmed instruction that were devised by a human being with the inherent limitations of his understanding, limited time and finite logic. The AI computer will be a mechanical and very very limited simulation of what the human programmed - including his own errors and finite understanding. Again: not a life form , but a limited simulation, with NO mind or identity of its own.
Next, someone will ask: what if we program self-awareness into the computer (or android)? The answer is that the "self-awareness mechanisms" are just that: mechanisms, programmed routines whereby the computer or robot has pre-conceived, limited guidelines to "take care" of its own survival. Again: pre-programmed - not emotions or identity-driven. Even the ability to change its own program or add to its own physical systems would be mechanisms that are pre-programmed and bounded by the understanding and limited capabilities of the finite lines of programming coded by the programmer.
No matter how sophisticated the algorithms or powerful the computing power, programmed machines are no more than virtual reality - like a great actor that portrays a character in a totally believable way. No matter how well done, we all know that he couldn't even remotely live his actual life externally and particularly emotionally, as that character - because it is a pre-written limited role that is narrowly defined by the writer - NOT a full-depth and independent unpredictable person with a will of its own. Therefore the actor can at best only give a limted performance for a given defined set of circumstances that the writer conceived and "programmed".
Such are the attempt to "create" self-aware AI robots. They are unfathomably limited in their choices, can be given only a pre-conceived simulated identity and can only simulate a person. This is why the writers of such shows usually endow the important robots "characters", like Data, with simulated personalities, physical attractiveness and "cute" mannerisms, so as to enhance believability in their "humanity", as a great actor would do. They are both nothing but illusions.
The attempt to classify such virtual reality robots as life forms is an expression of ignorance and an assault on the dignity and value of true life forms, particularly sentient beings.