10-10-2003, 12:33 AM | #1 |
Elf Lord
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Southeastern Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,215
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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, 01:46 AM | #2 | |
Fowl Administrator
Join Date: Dec 1999
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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:
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10-10-2003, 10:06 AM | #3 |
Elf Lord
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Southeastern Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,215
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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. |
10-10-2003, 02:54 PM | #4 |
Fowl Administrator
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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?
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10-10-2003, 06:15 PM | #5 |
Master of Orchestration President Emeritus of Entmoot 2004-2008
Join Date: Jun 2003
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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!!!!!!!!!
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