Abstract

Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG, 1987–1994) is a very close second to Star Trek (TOS, 1966–1969) in the hearts and minds of fans of televised science fiction. Although both series are examples of space opera that focus on the exploration of the cosmos by a group of Starfleet officers and their crew, TNG is notably different in execution. It explores the interests and backgrounds of its ensemble cast more thoroughly, for example. It also entertains inter-season story arcs and fleshes out the cultural background and politics of alien races (both new and old) in a much more grandiose way.In many ways, The Next Generation is also a more robust example of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry’s humanistic vision of the future than its progenitor. Ironically, this is partly because he had less personal creative control on TNG. This chapter will explore the various historical faces worn by humanists through history as well as Roddenberry’s distinctive contribution to that history. To humanize the philosophy of humanism in TNG, the chapter will look at the philosophical implications of the series-spanning antagonism and verbal sparring between Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the powerful, arrogant entity Q. It will then demonstrate, through a detailed look at representative TNG episodes, the arguments that support the credibility and value of humanism against other competing worldviews in the areas of virtue and character, religious belief, and social ethics.