The Talosians and Science

Today in Star Trek, The Menagerie, we were introduced to the Talosians in greater detail. Their ability lies in controlling an individual’s mind and affecting their reality. It was noted that they are confused by primitive emotions such as anger and are unable to counter act it. The Talosians can be looked at as a supreme power that is science. As they are confused by primitive emotions, it can be related to how scientific observations and hypotheses that are too associated with human emotions are dismissed and not credited. Do you agree that this is a solid analogy? Or is there an analogy that relates the Talosians and science more accurately?

I just finished watching 'The Menagerie' at home, and I apologize if any of this is a repeat from the in-class discussion, but I could not help wonder if there was a connection between Frankenstein's monster and Captain Christopher Pike. In both cases it appears that science has brought back to life deceased body parts. Dr McCoy made the observation that despite all of science's advancements, it was still not able to reach inside the human mind. Historically philosophers have argued over the presence of a soul in the mind. In modern time scientists are learning a great deal about the brain's mechanisms, functions, and complexities. Monism asserts that there is only the brain which will eventually be understood through science. Dualism, however, asserts that there is a brain and a mind (or soul/spirit) and that the mind is out of the reach of science. Do you all believe there is a connection between Dr. Frankenstein tampering with the creation of life and Dr. McCoy's desire to understand the human mind? Or do you believe Dr. McCoy is only interested in the biological and medical implications of understanding the intricacies of the brain?

In class we discussed the topic of morality concerning the creation of the monster. I believe that the moral dilemma arises when Frankenstein ignores what he has created. The monster he created is seen as hideous as soon as life enters the previously "beautiful" limbs. I think that Frankenstein is too emotional, and does not know how to react reasonably to various situations because of his self imposed isolation. He gets sick for a few months just from the thought of the monster. Clearly Frankenstein has a weak constitution for that which he used to love. Why do you think the reason for his sudden, paralyzing sickness is? Does the mere mental image of the monster generate such disgust, or is it something else?