Commentary: ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Explores “Logical Faith”

Logic and faith are always fertile grounds for science fiction. Star Trek, the preeminent science fiction franchise, is no exception to using them to make a point either through theme, plot, or characterization. In fact, one of its most revered characters, Vulcan science officer Spock, uses logic as a foundation for the path he charts throughout the various series. So it’s especially interesting during the season two finale of Star Trek: Discovery to hear Spock support a decision based on faith, or what he called, “logical faith.”

The second season revolved around series of mysterious signals the Discovery investigated. They don’t know what they are or where they came from, but they have a bizarre connection to Spock (Ethan Peck). His adopted sister, Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), goes off in search of him, who is listed as a wanted fugitive by the Federation. In a season finale, Michael has an opportunity to travel back in time to be the one to send all the signals, setting the course for the season. Spock, a character who is driven by logic, says they have no factual data to prove that she is the one who sends the signals, but he implores Michael to make the journey, citing it as a leap of that logical sort of belief.

In the grand scheme of things, Spock’s suggestion is essentially conjecture. He’s making an estimate based on available data even though he can’t say definitively Michael is the one to make the signals. In the absence of empirical evidence, Spock’s suggestion appears to him as faith. And since he uses logic to make that determination, his call for Michael to take a leap makes sense. The fact that Spock merged these two concepts to convince Michael to take a journey is in noteworthy character arc from an otherwise calculating character.

Star Trek: Discovery is now streaming on Paramount+.