I would argue the bynars are not doing it voluntarily either though. According to phlox in ENT, right after birth a surgeon removes a certain part of the newborn‘s brain, replacing and connecting it with their central computer.
And I would argue a literal newborn cannot give consent to this. The only difference to the Borg appears to be the larger degree of individuality, though that seems questionable too, considering how interlinked they are in the TNG episode.
Prime directive. The Federation can apply such ideals to their own citizens and to foreigners who ask for help, but not to foreign citizens who don’t ask. The Borg try to assimilate Federation citizens, so the Federation has a valid cassus belli for war. The Bynars aren’t attacking any other species, so the prime directive doesn’t apply.
I would argue the bynars are not doing it voluntarily either though. According to phlox in ENT, right after birth a surgeon removes a certain part of the newborn‘s brain, replacing and connecting it with their central computer.
And I would argue a literal newborn cannot give consent to this. The only difference to the Borg appears to be the larger degree of individuality, though that seems questionable too, considering how interlinked they are in the TNG episode.
Good points, however the federation still works with them…
True, i suppose the fact they only enhance their own species helps as well in making them palatable to the federation species.
Prime directive. The Federation can apply such ideals to their own citizens and to foreigners who ask for help, but not to foreign citizens who don’t ask. The Borg try to assimilate Federation citizens, so the Federation has a valid cassus belli for war. The Bynars aren’t attacking any other species, so the prime directive doesn’t apply.