A new analysis by a researcher at Carnegie Mellon University has suggested that granting rights to robots is not a good idea and instead looks to Confucianism to offer an alternative. The researcher argues that envisioning robots as rites bearers, rather than rights bearers, could work better. Confucianism focuses on the social value of achieving harmony, with individuals being made distinctively human by their ability to conceive of interests not purely in terms of personal self-interest, but in terms that include a relational and a communal self. The researcher suggests that assigning role obligations to robots encourages teamwork and moral development.
As per the analysis by a recent analysis by Tae Wan Kim, an Associate Professor of Business Ethics at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), granting rights to robots is not the best approach to addressing their moral status. While philosophers and legal scholars have explored the idea of giving robots rights, Kim suggests that Confucianism offers an alternative solution. In his article published in Communications of the ACM, Kim argues that envisioning robots as rites bearers, rather than rights bearers, could work better.
Kim highlights the potential risks of granting rights to robots, which many people are concerned about. Instead, he proposes assigning role obligations, or rites, to robots based on the Confucian belief system. Confucianism emphasizes achieving harmony and enhancing oneself morally by participating in proper rituals. Kim suggests that assigning role obligations to robots encourages teamwork and a harmonious approach, rather than a competitive and adversarial one that may arise from granting rights.
Furthermore, Kim acknowledges that some may question why robots should be treated respectfully in the first place. To this, he suggests that if robots are made in our image and we do not treat them well, we degrade ourselves. In other words, treating robots with respect and assigning them role obligations is a reflection of our own morality and values.
Kim’s analysis offers a unique perspective on the moral and legal status of robots, taking into account the potential risks of granting rights. Instead, he proposes an approach based on Confucianism that focuses on achieving harmony and assigning role obligations to robots. While some may still advocate for giving robots rights, Kim’s alternative solution provides an interesting and thought-provoking perspective on the issue.
As per the analysis by Science Daily, the use of robots in various roles has increased significantly in recent years, from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and education. As robots continue to assume more roles in the world, it is important to consider their moral and legal status. While granting rights to robots may seem like a logical step, Kim’s analysis suggests that there may be a better approach based on the Confucian belief system.
To bring this to a close, Tae Wan Kim’s analysis provides an alternative perspective on the moral and legal status of robots. Rather than granting them rights, he suggests assigning role obligations based on the Confucian belief system, which emphasizes achieving harmony and enhancing oneself morally through proper rituals. While some may still advocate for giving robots rights, Kim’s alternative approach offers a unique and thought-provoking solution to the issue.
