Jedi as abolitionists?

Tuor of Gondolin · 10-10-2003, 12:33 AM

I've always thought that a disturbing part of Star Wars was that the droids were rational beings but yet were bought, sold, and owned as slaves, with the "good guys" being little more then sympathetic overseers. Wouldn't it have been interesting to have the Jedi be basically sympathetic to droid abolitionism (but having to play a quiet role somewhat analagous to the istari in Middle Earth). For an interesting example of this theme I'd recommend "Time and Again", by Clifford Simak.
And in Star wars parts 1-2 there are examples of human slavery (young Darth Vader and mom) which is seemingly unquestionably accepted by everybody.

P. S. Despite the above observation, I am a big fan of the first Star Wars trilogy (Parts 4-6).

***IronParrot*** · 10-10-2003, 01:46 AM

I think the reason why slavery of living, organic beings is seen to be a bad thing, whilst the "unpaid employment" of droids is not, is simply because you are talking about two vastly different spheres of morality. Specifically, there is nothing immoral about "enslaving" artificial beings because for them, there really is no alternative of freedom.

My point is that there is no perceived need to "free" the droids because droids were designed to serve. Such an initiative would be as unnecessary and overreaching as the House-Elf Liberation Front.

Think of Asimov and the Laws of Robotics.

For a droid, the very meaning of life is to fulfill a function. A veiled attempt at "liberation" would take that meaning away.

Quote:

And in Star wars parts 1-2 there are examples of human slavery (young Darth Vader and mom) which is seemingly unquestionably accepted by everybody.

At the same time, Padme points out that the Republic has long discarded slavery and has condemned it. It's not that they accept slavery, it's just that on Tatooine, it can't be prevented or enforced - it's just a part of that particular society.

Tuor of Gondolin · 10-10-2003, 10:06 AM

At the same time, Padme points out that the Republic has long discarded slavery and has condemned it. It's not that they accept slavery, it's just that on Tatooine, it can't be prevented or enforced - it's just a part of that particular society.

__________________
Good point. I'd forgotten about that Padme observation. As for droid difference, their not being organic beings, it's a viable point which makes the Star Wars universe more ethically sound, but I still personally find it rather disquieting.

***IronParrot*** · 10-10-2003, 02:54 PM

Well maybe we should take a look at one moment in the saga when droids are "free", not serving any particular master: the beginning of the original Star Wars when C-3PO and R2-D2 land on Tatooine. R2 has a mission, but 3PO does not, and just walks off aimlessly in the desert with no purpose until captured by the Jawa merchants.

Even once a droid is free, what would it do?

hectorberlioz · 10-10-2003, 06:15 PM

droids were meant for work! they were created for certain things.
but hey! not all droids do what they're supposed to. example: IG-88.
droid revolution!!!!!!!!!

10-10-2003, 12:33 AM	#1
Tuor of Gondolin Elf Lord Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southeastern Pennsylvania Posts: 1,215	Jedi as abolitionists? I've always thought that a disturbing part of Star Wars was that the droids were rational beings but yet were bought, sold, and owned as slaves, with the "good guys" being little more then sympathetic overseers. Wouldn't it have been interesting to have the Jedi be basically sympathetic to droid abolitionism (but having to play a quiet role somewhat analagous to the istari in Middle Earth). For an interesting example of this theme I'd recommend "Time and Again", by Clifford Simak. And in Star wars parts 1-2 there are examples of human slavery (young Darth Vader and mom) which is seemingly unquestionably accepted by everybody. P. S. Despite the above observation, I am a big fan of the first Star Wars trilogy (Parts 4-6).

10-10-2003, 02:54 PM	#4
*IronParrot* Fowl Administrator Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Calgary or Edmonton, Canada Posts: 53,420	Well maybe we should take a look at one moment in the saga when droids are "free", not serving any particular master: the beginning of the original Star Wars when C-3PO and R2-D2 land on Tatooine. R2 has a mission, but 3PO does not, and just walks off aimlessly in the desert with no purpose until captured by the Jawa merchants. Even once a droid is free, what would it do? __________________ All of IronParrot's posts are guaranteed to be 100% intelligent and/or sarcastic, comprising no genetically modified content and tested on no cute furry little animals unless the SPCA is looking elsewhere. If you observe a failure to uphold this warranty, please contact a forum administrator immediately to receive a full refund on your Entmoot registration. Blog: Nick's Café Canadien

10-10-2003, 06:15 PM	#5
hectorberlioz Master of Orchestration President Emeritus of Entmoot 2004-2008 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Lost in the Opera House Posts: 9,328	droids were meant for work! they were created for certain things. but hey! not all droids do what they're supposed to. example: IG-88. droid revolution!!!!!!!!! __________________ ACALEWIA- President of Entmoot hectorberlioz- Vice President of Entmoot Acaly und Hektor fur Presidants fur EntMut fur life! Join the discussion at Entmoot Election 2010. "Stupidissimo!"~Toscanini The Da CINDY Code The Epic Poem Of The Balrog of Entmoot: Here ~NEW! ~ Thinking of summer vacation? AboutNewJersey.com - NJ Travel & Tourism Guide

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10-10-2003, 10:06 AM	#3
Tuor of Gondolin Elf Lord Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southeastern Pennsylvania Posts: 1,215	At the same time, Padme points out that the Republic has long discarded slavery and has condemned it. It's not that they accept slavery, it's just that on Tatooine, it can't be prevented or enforced - it's just a part of that particular society. __________________ Good point. I'd forgotten about that Padme observation. As for droid difference, their not being organic beings, it's a viable point which makes the Star Wars universe more ethically sound, but I still personally find it rather disquieting.