Evil doctor, ethical android: Star Trek's instantiation of conscience in subroutines

  • Victor Grech University of Malta
  • Mariella Scerri University of Malta
  • David Zammit

Abstract

Machine intelligence, whether it constitutes Strong Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Weak AI, may have varying degrees of independence. Both Strong and Weak AI are often depicted as being programmed with safeguards that prevent harm to humanity, precepts which are informed by Isaac Asimov's Laws of Robotics. This paper will review these programs through a reading of instances of machine intelligence in Star Trek, and will attempt to show that these "ethical subroutines" may well be vital to our continued existence, irrespective of whether machine intelligences constitute Strong or Weak AI. In effect, this paper will analyse the machine analogues of conscience in several Star Trek series, and will do so through an analysis of the android Data and the Emergency Medical Hologram. We will argue that AI should be treated with caution, lest we create powerful intelligences that may not only ignore us but also find us threatening, with unknown and inconceivable consequences.

Author Biographies

Victor Grech, University of Malta
Consultant Paediatrician (Cardiology) and Associate Professor of Paediatrics, University of Malta
Mariella Scerri, University of Malta
Teacher of English and Staff Nurse
David Zammit
ICT consultant
Published
2017-01-06
Section
Articles