Data is aware of Asimov's laws of robotics, and is the author of an article on their limitations that is still a subject of frequent debate in the field of cybernetics despite having published several years prior. On one notable occasion, a scientist in the throws of heated inquiry stuck Data in an attempt to disprove his thesis that the laws of robotics are not required to prevent androids from harming human beings. It did prove that humans are perfectly capable of harming themselves on androids when the scientist, regrettably, broke several bones in his hand on Data's face. Data assisted him to the nearest medical facility.

"I am qualified due to my knowledge of legal argumentation and precedent from the collected jurisprudence systems of my civilization, as well as ethical philosophy, cultural anthropology, and psychology," Data says, "It is the moral responsibility of individuals capable of doing so to seek to assist others. I perceived an opportunity to assist here."

"I do not 'care' in the way you suggest." He's not critical of this - it's not unwelcome to be assumed to be able to feel, even if he does not. "I have arrived at this position through logical reasoning."