Episode:609
The Quality of Life

Jack's Rating:

Data observes self-guided "tools" used at a mining station display signs of sentience, and fights for their preservation, even risking Captain Picard's life on the ground that it is unacceptable to kill one sentient being to save another.

Features:
Stardate: 46307.2
Air Date: 11/16/92
Director: Jonathan Frakes