What is potter box?

The Potter Box is an ethical decision-making framework developed by Ralph B. Potter. It consists of four steps that individuals can use to carefully analyze and make ethical decisions in complex situations.

The four steps of the Potter Box are as follows:

  1. Definition: Define the situation and clearly identify the ethical dilemma at hand.
  2. Values: Identify the values and principles that are relevant to the situation and consider how they might apply.
  3. Principles: Consider different ethical perspectives and moral theories to help guide your decision-making process.
  4. Loyalties: Consider the various loyalties at play, such as loyalty to oneself, to others, to an organization, or to society as a whole, and how they may influence the decision.

By following these steps, individuals can carefully examine the ethical dimensions of a situation, consider various perspectives and values, and ultimately make a more informed and thoughtful decision. The Potter Box is widely used in ethics courses and ethical decision-making training programs to help individuals navigate complex ethical dilemmas.