Star Trek (NBC)
1966 – 1969
Shown from left: Leonard Nimoy (as Lt. Cmdr. Spock), William Shatner (as Captain James T. Kirk)
Legal scholar Cass Sunstein breaks down the difference between Star Trek and Star Wars.
ICYMI: Trekkie Tom Hanks once snuck onto the set of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
We know the Star Trek vs. Star Wars debate has been done over and over, but we thought this video of legal scholar Cass Sunstein discussing it was fascinating. Sunstein argues that the difference lies in the literary tone of Star Trek compared to the purely artistic take of Star Wars.
It’s certainly an interesting take on this classic nerd debate.
Although we love Star Wars, we of course think Star Trek is the superior franchise. Here are just a few differences in the two franchises…
Next: 1 Star Wars is magic, Star Trek is science
Star Wars is based on magic, Star Trek is based on science.
In Star Wars the solution to many problems is to believe in yourself and use the Force. While believing in yourself is wonderful, using the force won’t get you very far in real life. On the other hand Star Trek focuses on science, logic, and diplomacy. The key to solving problems in the Star Trek universe is using your mind and science, things that you can apply to your real life.
There’s nothing wrong with Star Wars using magic, it makes for a wonderful story, but it’s not something that creates any meaning in the real world.
Here’s what Bill Nye had to say on the subject.
So one difference in the two franchises is magic, but there are more differences.
Next: 2 Star Trek impacts real science
The gadgets on Star Trek have inspired scientists and inventors in the real world.
Cell phones and tablet computers are two things we have today that were explored on Star Trek. They aren’t the only two examples though, there’s work being done right now on 3D printers that could print organic material, that’s a food replicator. Because Star Trek is based in science the gadgets used on the show were things the writers saw in the future of humanity, you don’t necessarily find this in Star Wars.
Perhaps there is someone out there working on a Death Star and a laser sword, but we certainly hope not. The gadgets in Star wars are about destruction and a cool movie, the gadgets in Star Trek are about a possible brighter future for humanity through science.
Here’s what William Shatner had to say about science and science fiction.
"“All these imaginative exercises in science fiction [are] merely food for the imagination of scientists who are actually working with technology that is.” – William Shatner"
Next: 3 Star Wars is a morality tale
Star Wars is about black and white, good and evil, while Star Trek shows you the good and bad in many philosophies and lets you decide what you think on your own.
Star Wars is wonderful morality tale about good and evil, but it is very basic. The Jedi are good and selfless, while the Sith are bad and selfish.
"“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” – Yoda"
While good vs. evil is a fun story, it doesn’t actually have much substance to it. Star Trek approaches philosophy in a very different way; whether it’s the logic of Spock, the devotion of Kirk, or the prime directive both the positive and negative aspects of these philosophies are presented in Star Trek.
Star Wars gives you a wonderful Shakespearean drama, Star Trek gives you something to think about.
Next: 4 Star Trek is nerdier than Star Wars
Star Trek is nerdier than Star Wars.
We genuinely love Star Wars, and we couldn’t be more excited about the new Star Wars movies, but it is a very different type of entertainment than Star Trek. There’s no denying that Star Trek has the reputation as the “nerdier” of the two franchises, but maybe that’s just a fact we Trekkies need to embrace. Star Trek is simply nerdier than Star Wars. Star Wars is a wonderful story, but Star Trek is just going to challenge you in ways Star Wars never will.
If you love Star Wars more than Star Trek that’s fine, we want you to live long and prosper… besides one of the things we learned from Star Trek was that we should be kind to less developed species.
Next: The best Star Trek spoofs of all time
So what do you think? Do you love one franchise more than the other? Let us know on Facebook or in the comments below.