There usually are common-sense limits on regulations. Like if a sapient lemur identified as human, it would still probably fall under SH’s jurisdiction. Similarly, Nick, as a brain in a jar controlling an aircraft, most likely has the choice of identifying either as a human with an elaborate cybernetic prosthesis or as a V-22 that happens to have human-level intelligence.
Speaking of common sense, if Nick’s brain had been transplanted into a panther, would anyone have questioned him if he claimed to be a panther? So why do they question him when he claims to be an aircraft? Just because he’s a machine with natural intelligence instead of artificial intelligence? Because he’s a human brain with an inorganic body instead of an organic one? The simple fact that someone managed to transplant a human brain into an aircraft doesn’t make any sense, so why do they think that anything else about this situation should?
(Yes, I agree with you, that Nick has the choice of identifying as a cybernetic human, or as an aircraft with a human brain)
Discussion (10) ¬
I imagine there’s probably fine print to exclude people who don’t have a legitimate reason to view themselves as nonhuman, or something of the sort.
Probably, but nobody ever cares about that.
There usually are common-sense limits on regulations. Like if a sapient lemur identified as human, it would still probably fall under SH’s jurisdiction. Similarly, Nick, as a brain in a jar controlling an aircraft, most likely has the choice of identifying either as a human with an elaborate cybernetic prosthesis or as a V-22 that happens to have human-level intelligence.
Speaking of common sense, if Nick’s brain had been transplanted into a panther, would anyone have questioned him if he claimed to be a panther? So why do they question him when he claims to be an aircraft? Just because he’s a machine with natural intelligence instead of artificial intelligence? Because he’s a human brain with an inorganic body instead of an organic one? The simple fact that someone managed to transplant a human brain into an aircraft doesn’t make any sense, so why do they think that anything else about this situation should?
(Yes, I agree with you, that Nick has the choice of identifying as a cybernetic human, or as an aircraft with a human brain)
Or its just a poorly written rule by an agency too small to go over everything with a fine tooth comb.
“So logic bows to paperwork.” “Of course! We’re the government!”
That gave me a good chuckle.
Those last two panels are STILL SO TRUE. (This strip is tacked up in my cube for a reason.)
I work for the government, and I have this strip tacked up outside my cube. It gets laughs.
Self identification for all!