Building Trust in AI Through Dialogues With Eastern Ethics: Toward Ethical Partnerships in Education

Abstract

This article proposes a novel framework for ethical human–artificial intelligence (AI) partnerships in education by integrating Eastern ethics (with Chinese ethics as an example), intelligence augmentation, and agentic AI design. Moving beyond the dominant Western paradigm, the study draws from Confucian and Daoist principles—such as relational trust, coagency, and moral cultivation—to envision AI as an ethical partner, not just a tool. It addresses two key questions: How can trust in AI be cultivated in education? and when can AI be ethically considered a collaborator? The authors introduce a triadic model combining normative grounding, cognitive scaffolding, and system-level design, operationalized through culturally sensitive platforms, pedagogy, and ethical interaction. They also propose a three-tiered evaluation system: learner trust metrics, educator audits, and AI reflexivity protocols. This interdisciplinary synthesis provides a scalable culturally rooted pathway for designing AI systems that are pedagogically meaningful, ethically adaptive, and co-constructive—contributing to more equitable and morally resonant educational futures.