Star Trek: The Next Generation

"I, Borg" Episode 123 (Season 5, Episode 23) Originally aired May 11, 1992

Background

• Jean Luc Picard is Captain of the StarshipEnterprise. The Enterprise carries a crew of 1000 people. Jean Luc "works" for the organization United Federation of Planets (Starfleet).

• Two years earlier Picard had been abducted by the Borg, Starfleet's most challenging enemy and continuous threat. He was assimilated into their collective (no individuality) and given the name "Locutus of Borg."

• Picard was rescued by his crew but he still has strong feelings of anger and vengeance against the Borg

Other key characters:

Dr. Beverley Crusher - Enterprise's Chief Medical Office

Geordi La Forge - Enterprise's Chief Engineer

Commander Will Riker - Enterprise Second-in-Command

Questions for individual completion:

1. During the initial contact with the distressed Borg unit, Picard could be basing his decisions on Kantianism. Explain how Kantianism applies. Is there another theory that could be applied?

2. What ethical theory is he violating in proposing to implant the Borg unit with a virus? Explain.

3. What are the organizational influences Picard is considering in making his decision about what to do with the Borg unit?

Recall slide from Session 4 when answering this question:

Organizational Culture - shared values, norms - ethical codes of conduct

Significant others - those who have an influence - managers, boss, co-workers - their attitudes and behaviour affect your decisions

Obedience to authority - follow supervisor orders no matter if you feel it is a right or wrong ethical decision - "I was just following orders"

Leadership - a good leader is an ethical role model - encourages input from others

Communication - open discussions with the org. about ethics guidelines and expectations

National and cultural characteristics - differing views of right and wrong

GROUPTHINK!

4. If the Borg unit is implanted with the virus that could eliminate the Borg race, it could save the lives of billions of people and other species. What moral intensity factor(s) is/are relevant here?

In essence, the Borg unit has been "infected" by his short time being part of the organizational culture of the Enterprise. What virtues have the crew "infected" him with? What do you.

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