COMM 317: Potter Box

In addition to the discussion of the Potter Box in Patterson and Wilkins, "Media Ethics," we'll take a look at the Wikipedia page on this common schematic for making ethical decisions in the field of journalism.

To recap the model, developed by Ralph B. Potter, Jr. of Harvard Divinity School, in making an ethical decision you consider: (1) the facts; (2) your values or beliefs; (3) the ethical principles, e.g. Aristotle's golden mean or Kant's categorical imperative, you apply to the facts; and (4) your loyalties, e.g. to the paper, your sources, yourself.

A bonus: The Wikipedia page has a very brief and equally clear list of ethical principles:

• Aristotle's Golden Mean. Aristotle's Golden Mean defines moral virtue as a middle state determined practical wisdom that emphasizes moderation and temperance.
  
• Confucius' Golden Mean. Confucius' Golden Mean is more commonly known as the compromise principle and says moral virtue is the appropriate location between two extremes.
  
• Kant's Categorical Imperative. Kant's Categorical Imperative dictates what we must never do, and those actions that have become universal law.
  
• Mill's Principle of Utility. John Stuart Mill's Principle of Utility dictates that we must seek the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
  
• Rawl's Veil of Ignorance. John Rawls' Veil of Ignorance asks us to place ourselves in the position of the people our decisions may influence.
  
• Agape Principle [pron. ah-GAH-pay]. This principle, also known as the Judeo-Christian, 'Persons as Ends' principle, emphasizes love for our fellow humans and the golden rule.