Blog 2: "The Measure of a Man"

In this episode Commander Maddox constantly refers to Data as "it" instead of his name.  What does this reference tell about which side Maddox favors?

Since Maddow refers to Data as "it" instead of his name, its seems he is on the side that Data is not given the right to choose whether or not he recieves the procedure.  Commander Maddox also believes that Data lacks any real mental attributes like the average human and that Data has more of an artificial brain.  He believes that Data's "brain" functions separately from his body as 2 different objects rather than one.  Yet, the relationship that the others on the ship have made with Data has given him the presence of a real human.




After the prosecution of whether Data should have the right to choose whether to resign or undergo the procedure, Commander Riker is met by Data.  Commander Riker then feels ashamed to have argued against his friend.  Should Commander Riker feel this way about the hearing?

No, Commander Riker should not feel this way about the hearing of Data's rights.  Eventhough, the court ruling was in Data's favor, without Commander Riker's action of self-sacrifice that had given Data the chance to win his freedom, Commander Louvois would have been forced to give Commander Maddox the permission to take and disassemble Data.  Data said that," That action injured you and saved me.  I will not forget."  This statement shows that Data does have more attributes to his mental capabilities and shows that he is more like a human that Maddox thought, as Maddox eventually refers to Data as "he".