Sarah asked: If we were as calculating, rational, and unfeeling as Plato wishes us to be, what would civilization look like? What would life be in this world?
As I read the question, I couldn't help by smile. Ever since I was young, I have been a huge Star Trek fan and this question turned my thoughts once again towards that sci-fi realm, because it seems that the creators of various Star Trek series were also intrigued by this idea and considered the answer in the philosophies and behaviors of non-human characters.
The first alien species to be seen on Star Trek was the Vulcans. In many ways, Vulcans are similar to humans. They resemble humans physically and have many of the same material needs. However, their philosophy is very different from our own. Vulcans live by the rule of logic. They believe that emotions should be strictly controlled and many purge their emotions completely. Is embracing rationality detrimental to themselves and others? The answer is a resounding no. Rejecting emotions allowed the Vulcans to rise above the violent and horrific warfare that had consumed their planet for centuries to become one of the most technologically advanced species in the known universe. They also became reknowned ambassadors and peacemakers among the emotional beings of the galaxy. Although they cannot always understand the emotional behavior of their non-Vulcan counterparts, they do not generally act in ways that would be considered immoral due to a lack of emotion.
Conversely, there is also the Borg. The Borg are a group of cyborgs controlled by a hive mind. They travel the universe assimilating other species into their collective consciousness. Due to the nature of the hive mind, they do not experience emotion. Their unfeeling nature is devastating to everyone they encounter as, having no compassion, they cannot understand why any being would not want to be assimilated.
The Borg and the Vulcans are two very different takes on pure rationality. The alternatives seem to depend on who develops the ethic system for the society.
In her post, Sarah makes a valid point: emotions are an integral part of being human. As feeling beings, can we realistically imagine a society based purely on rationality?
No comments:
Post a Comment