‘Rotary’s Four-Way Test: A Theoretical and Practical Critique’

After referring to the origins of Rotary’s Four-Way Test, the presentation poses the question whether it remains a relevant and practical guide to decision-making in the modern world. This question is examined by analysing each part of the Test through the lens of ethical theory.  Four ethical theories on how we should answer the question ‘how should I act?’ are described.  Each theory is applied to the four parts of the Test to see whether they assist in developing options that satisfy the Test. Finally, a decision-making process for satisfying the Four-Way Test in ethically complex or ambiguous situations is proposed.