Fletcher's situation ethics

Question 1

What is agape in situation ethics

Answer 1

Agape (selfless love) is the only intrinsic good.

Question 2

Fletcher’s quote on situation ethics

Answer 2

“love is the only norm” - all decisions must maximise love

Question 3

what are the 4 working principles

Answer 3

1. pragmatism
2. relativism
3. positivism
4. personalism

Question 4

pragmatism

Answer 4

focus on practical solutions over abstract principles

Question 5

relativism

Answer 5

absolute laws are relative

Question 6

positivism

Answer 6

belief in the reality and importance of love

Question 7

personalism

Answer 7

prioritising people over laws in ethical situation

Question 8

sinning bravely

Answer 8

doing wrong for a loving outcome is justified

Question 9

pope’s critique

Answer 9

situation ethics “justify decisions in opposition to natural law”

Question 10

proverbs 16:2

Answer 10

all the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes

Question 11

Augustine’s critique

Answer 11

due to original sin we are predisposed to sin and selfishness - situationism not effective

Question 12

ethical idolatry

Answer 12

turning flexible principles into rigid moral laws

Question 13

William Barclay’s critique

Answer 13

situationism would only work if “all men were angels

Question 14

what is the 6th proposition

Answer 14

“love’s decisions are made situationally, not prescriptively” - no rules, only context

Question 15

how does Fletcher defend conscience in situation ethics

Answer 15

conscience is a verb - it’s about writing love in each situation, not obeying internalised rules

Question 16

Nigel Messer’s critique of situation ethics

Answer 16

argues agape is too vague - how do we measure “most loving” - leads to subjectivity

Question 17

How does C.S Lewis oppose SE

Answer 17

Lewis says abandoning universal rules (ie. natural law) leads to moral chaos