situation ethics Flashcards
What kind of theory is situational ethics?
Relative, subjective, teleological
Who developed situation ethics?
Joseph Fletcher
What did Fletcher develop it in response to?
Antinomianism and legalism
What did Fletcher say should be the basis of moral decision making?
Agape
Which testament is situation ethics rooted in?
New
Should moral principles be absolute?
NO!!
What 3 sets of principles did Fletcher devise?
The Boss Principles, Four Working Principles, Six Fundamental Principles
What is the Boss Principle?
Follow the concept of agape, and it leads to moral action
What are four working principles in situation ethics?
Relativism, pragmatism, positivism, personalism
What are the six fundamental principles in situation ethics?
- Love is the only intrinsic good
- Love is the ruling norm of Christian decisions
- Love and justice are the same
- Love wills the neighbours good
- The ends justify the means
- Love’s decisions made situationally, not prescriptively
What are the four factors of judging a situation in situation ethics?
- desired end
- means to achieve it
- motive in achieving it
- consequences
What are some strengths of situation ethics?
It is easy to apply
It is not reliant on God
Considers intent
Selfless
What are the weaknesses of situation ethics?
Subjective
Might break the law
Could lead to moral chaos
Too much freedom leads to mistakes
What year was homosexuality de-criminalised?
1967
What did Fletcher consider unchristian?
Prejudice and discrimination because of sexuality
