The Ethics of Star Trek: Holograms' Rights

PrefaceThis is my fifth installment in 12-part series on the "Ethics of Star Trek." I think Star Trek holds a wealth of moral and philosophical quandaries that are fertile ground for debate and controversy. While some may see these kinds of TV show-related debates as "fluff" topics, I think that the serious ethical implications that underpin the topics I have selected belie that idea.My hope for this debate and for this series is that I will be able to have some fun delving into my inner nerd and my inner trekkie, while still having some lively and informative discussions. In this debate, particularly, I hope to explore the concepts behind and ethics of autonomy, artificial intelligence, and moral worth through the examples of specific holograms. This is similar to my earlier debate about Androids and whether they can have rights, but I think holograms are substantively different from Androids, since they are non-corporeal. You must have an ELO of 2500 to vote on this debate, and have completed 3 debates to be able to accept.Full TopicThat the Moriarty hologram, the villagers of the Yaderan Colony, and/or “the Doctor” can hold moral rights.TermsMoral - 'concerned with the ethical principles of right and wrong'Right - 'something that one may properly claim as being entitled to them' and/or 'an entitlement to (not) perform or have others (not) perform certain action(s) and to (not) be in certain states'ContextThis debate deals with information located in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes "Shadowplay," "Elementary," "Dear Data," and "Ship in a Bottle." It also involves events portrayed in the whole Star Trek: Voyager series. Moriarity, particularly, is an incredibly intelligent hologram, designed to rival an android in intellectual ability. Twice he seized control of the Enterprise from its crew and nearly thwarted their attempts to defeat him and regain the vessel. The Yaderan Colony is a colony made up of almost all holograms, who have lived in their village, generation after generation (yes, their programming kills them off and allows new ones to be created) passing down their cultural traditions.Finally, the Doctor is the head medical officer on Voyager. His hobbies include writing and opera, and he is known for his cowardice as much as for his sarcastic wit. Originally confined to sickbay, he was soon given a device that allowed him to move throughout the ship and to function more as a "normal" member of the crew.Rules1. No forfeits2. Any citations or foot/endnotes must be provided in the text of the debate3. No new arguments in the final round4. Maintain a civil and decorous atmosphere5. No trolling or semantics6. My opponent accepts all definitions and waives his/her right to add definitions7. Showing 1 right is sufficient to affirm8. The BOP is shared9. Violation of any of these rules or of any of the R1 set-up merits a lossStructureR1. AcceptanceR2. Pro's Case, Con's CaseR3. Pro rebuts Con's Case, Con rebuts Pro's CaseR4. Pro defends Pro's Case, Con defends Con's CaseR5. Pro rebuts Con's Case, Con rebuts Pro's Case, both CrystallizeThanks......in advance to whomever accepts; I look forward to a debate that takes me where no man has gone before!