Jeffrey Barnes: Self-Evident Truths - Southern Utah University

APPENDIX I
POTTER’S BOX
Many persons have sought to better understand, as Professor Les Jones, Psychology
Professor at Southern Utah University, would say, “Why do I do the things I do when I
know what I know?” In the quest for understanding human achievement and failing,
many a philosopher has created their own explanatory decision-making model. Dr. Ralph
Potter, of Harvard Divinity School, created what is popularly known as the Potter’s Box.
The model is used for mapping out why people do the things they do. The model
involves the use of (1) clarification of the extant facts under consideration, (2)
clarification of personal values, (3) identification of principles under effect, and (4)
determining where one’s loyalties are greatest.
Step #1 Define the situation
Understand the issue
confronting you, have all
relevant facts.
Step# 2 Identify values
Determine your personal
values, along with those of
whom you have a primary
affiliation. May be conflicting
values.
Step #4 Choose Loyalties
Determine where your greatest
loyalties lie. With your person,
your family, your work associates,
and/or your God, etc. May be
conflicting. With greatest
sensitivity and objectivity,
adjudicate the ethical/moral
conflict.
Step #3 Apply Ethical Principles
Examine various ethical principles
and see which best apply to the
situation. More than one may be
appropriate.
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