Is the Four-Way Test a practical test for action in the modern world?

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.

Following a period in private legal practice, Andrew Crockett pursued a career in legal aid and academia. He is a former Director of the Legal Aid Commission of Victoria (now Victoria Legal Aid) and a former CEO of the Legal Aid Commission of the ACT. He also taught practical legal skills and ethics in the law faculties of Monash University and the Australian National University, and served on the Family Law Council, the Southern Health Human Research Ethics Committee, and the ACT Law Reform Committee. He was a board member of the Springvale Monash Legal Service, and a member of the editorial committee of the Lawyers Practice Manual Victoria.

Andrew was made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for significant service to the law particularly to legal aid services, to education, and to the community.

He joined the Rotary Club of Hawthorn in 2019 and served as President in 2021-22 and 2022-23.