Sex Robots as Ideal Confucian Wives? Which Confucianism? Whose Fantasy?

Abstract Confucianism is often perceived as discriminatory toward women, and this stereotype has been reinforced by recent scholarship in Confucianism. In 2024, for example, China’s most renowned journal of Confucian philosophy, Confucius Studies , published an article arguing that sex robots embody the Confucian ideal of a wife, framing it as rooted in obedience. Such misguided interpretations of the Confucian tradition thus require thorough examination and criticism. In this article, I first challenge the claim that “the Confucian ideal for a wife lies in obedience.” By examining traditional Confucian ethics, I clarify what truly constitutes an ideal wife and demonstrate that even the most conservative Confucian theories do not support the notion that sex robots could fulfill this role. Furthermore, I critique the development and use of sex robots from a broader Confucian perspective, highlighting ethical concerns and advocating for more progressive interpretations of Confucian values.