Confucian ethics is a kind of virtue ethics, which, unlike utilitarianism and deontology, focuses on moral practice and emphasizes that moral norms are inevitably embedded in ritual practice. Confucian ethics is derived from the thought of Confucius, which emphasizes the virtues of “benevolence”, “righteousness”, “propriety”, and “wisdom”.[] Among them, “ritual” has a central position and is the foundation of social order and interpersonal relationships. In Confucian ethics, “rites” are not only social norms or etiquette, but also the basis of moral behavior and the key to maintaining social order and personal virtue. According to Confucius, etiquette can help people live in harmony in society and form a stable social structure. The practice of etiquette includes norms of behavior in daily life, ritual activities, and respect for elders and social roles.
Confucian etiquette practices are characterized by the following aspects: First, respect and modesty. Etiquette requires individuals to demonstrate respect and modesty for others in their interactions, and this respect is expressed in courtesy, consideration, and appropriate demeanor, emphasizing the principle of putting people first. At the same time, this respect and modesty should be mutual behavior for both sides of the relationship, “Li Ji - Qu Li Shang” said: “what the rules of propriety value is that reciprocity. If I give a gift and nothing comes in return, that is contrary to propriety; if the thing comes to me, and I give nothing in return, that also is contrary to propriety.” [] Second, harmony and mediocrity. Confucianism advocates the pursuit of harmony and mediocrity in all kinds of social interactions, avoiding extremes and opposites, and emphasizing balance and neutrality. Third, the top and bottom are in order. Confucian etiquette focuses on the maintenance of social hierarchy and order, such as respecting elders and authority, and showing proper manners in interactions. Fourth, the cultivation of interpersonal relationships.
Social robots, as artificial intelligences with a certain degree of autonomy, can be designed and functioned in a way that deeply integrates the practical features of Confucian etiquette. []“Hiding etiquette in artifacts” is the core content of Confucian ethical thinking on science and technology, emphasizing the concept of embodying and passing on etiquette through the production and use of artifacts. In ancient China, people incorporated etiquette into the process of making and using artifacts to strengthen social members' knowledge of and compliance with etiquette, which realized “teaching without words,” i.e., conveying moral norms and social values through practical actions and the display of objects. As a kind of “formal” approach, “ritual” needs to be embodied through certain approaches, and “artifacts” are precisely an important way to embody and manifest “ritual”.[] In the design of social robots, we can observe the social etiquette and law in the design of its language function, and take the social etiquette and manners as a guide in the design of its action, so that we get a robot that acts with “manners” in its language and action.
