‘Service above self’: learning from Rotary
Posted: April 27, 2012 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: four-way test, John Rawls, Rotary, Service above self Comments Off on ‘Service above self’: learning from RotaryFounded on the understanding that businesses prosper when they ethically support each other and give back to their communities with ‘service above self’, Rotary models the success and ideals of local enlightened self-interest.
After being invited to speak at the MDI Rotary lunch this past Wednesday, I was struck by how the Rotary’s own “four-way test” for decision-making effectively parallels John Rawls‘ theories of public reason and overlapping consensus, both of which underpin conventional liberal philosophy.
In essence, as an ethical criterion of speech and action, the test asks:
- Is it true?
- Is it fair?
- Does it build goodwill?
- Is it beneficial to all?
To me this seems a remarkably good test for public policy decisions as well.
Recent Comments