In a recent study, the notion of granting rights to robots is challenged, proposing an alternative approach rooted in Confucianism. The study argues that rather than bestowing robots with rights, perceiving them as participants in social rituals can foster harmony and prevent potential conflicts between humans and robots. Additionally, it suggests that treating robots with respect, considering their resemblance to us, reflects our own self-respect.
The moral and legal implications of robots have been explored by notable philosophers and legal experts, with some advocating for granting robots rights. However, a comprehensive review of robot rights research concludes that extending rights to robots is ill-advised. Instead, this study puts forward a Confucian-inspired perspective.
Published in the Communications of the ACM, a journal by the Association for Computing Machinery, the review is authored by a scholar from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), Tae Wan Kim, an Associate Professor of Business Ethics at CMU’s Tepper School of Business.
Tae Wan Kim notes, “There are concerns regarding the risks associated with granting rights to robots. Granting rights is not the sole approach to address the moral standing of robots. Considering robots as bearers of social rituals, rather than rights, might yield better results.”
While many argue that respecting robots should lead to granting them rights, Kim proposes an alternative viewpoint. Confucianism, an ancient Chinese belief system, emphasizes the importance of achieving social harmony, whereby individuals transcend personal self-interest to consider relational and communal interests. This perspective requires a distinct approach to rituals, as individuals enhance their moral character through participation in appropriate customs.
Regarding robots, Kim suggests that the Confucian alternative of assigning role obligations, or rites, to robots is more suitable than granting them rights. The concept of rights often invokes an adversarial and competitive framework, raising concerns about potential conflicts between humans and robots.
“Assigning role obligations to robots promotes teamwork, fostering a shared understanding that these obligations should be fulfilled harmoniously,” explains Kim. “Artificial intelligence (AI) emulates human intelligence, so for robots to become bearers of rituals, they must possess a form of AI that can replicate humans’ ability to recognize and engage in collective activities—an ability that machines can acquire through various means.”
Kim acknowledges that some may question why robots deserve respectful treatment. He suggests, “To the extent that we create robots in our likeness, neglecting to treat them well, as entities capable of participating in rituals, reflects poorly on ourselves.”
In contemporary society, non-natural entities such as corporations are recognized as legal persons and enjoy certain constitutional rights. Furthermore, humans are not the only beings accorded moral and legal status, as ethical and legal considerations in most developed societies prevent the gratuitous use of animals in laboratory experiments.
Reference:
Title: “Should Robots Have Rights or Rites?”
Authors: Tae Wan Kim and Alan Strudler
Publication Date: 24 May 2023
Journal: Communications of the ACM
DOI: 10.1145/3571721
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about robot rights
Should robots be granted rights?
The study argues against granting rights to robots. Instead, it proposes Confucianism-inspired role obligations as an alternative approach to foster harmony and prevent conflicts between humans and robots.
What is the Confucian-inspired approach?
The Confucian-inspired approach suggests assigning role obligations, or rites, to robots instead of granting them rights. By viewing robots as participants in social rituals, it promotes teamwork and emphasizes fulfilling obligations harmoniously.
Why is granting rights to robots considered a bad idea?
Granting rights to robots raises concerns about potential conflicts between humans and robots. The concept of rights is often adversarial and competitive, while perceiving robots as rights bearers may lead to moral and legal complexities.
How can treating robots with respect reflect our own self-respect?
Treating robots respectfully acknowledges their resemblance to humans and reflects our own self-respect. By recognizing robots as entities capable of participating in rituals, we enhance our own moral standing and demonstrate an ethical approach towards artificial beings.
Can robots imitate human capacity for team activities?
Yes, robots powered by advanced forms of artificial intelligence (AI) can imitate human intelligence and develop the ability to recognize and engage in team activities. Machines can acquire this capacity through various learning methods.
More about robot rights
- “Should Robots Have Rights or Rites?” – Read the full study published in Communications of the ACM.
- Confucianism – Learn more about the ancient Chinese belief system.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Explore the field of artificial intelligence and its advancements.
- Human-Robot Interaction – Understand the dynamics and challenges of human-robot interaction.
- Robot Ethics – Delve into the ethical considerations surrounding robots and their role in society.
3 comments
omg, this study is sooo important! ppl talk about giving robots rights, but this study says that’s a bad idea. we should treat robots like we do rituals, and then we’ll have teamwork and harmony! also, if we don’t treat robots well, it’s like we’re treating ourselves bad too. deep stuff, man!
hey, i think the idea of giving robots rights is a bit crazy! like, do they really need rights? but this Confucianism stuff sounds interesting, maybe we should treat robots like we do rituals or something, you know? respect them and work together, man!
interesting study, bro! i never thought about robots having rights. but the Confucianism angle is kinda cool. assigning roles to robots instead of giving them rights, that could work! and if we make robots act like a team, just like humans do, it’s all good. AI is amazing, it can totally learn that. respect for robots, man!