Situation Ethics

Question 1

Brief definition: Situation Ethics, developed by Joseph Fletcher, is a teleological, relativist Christian ethical theory based on agape love (selfless love).
Contrasts with legalistic ethics (e.g., Natural Law) and antinomianism (lawless ethics).

Answer 1

Brief definition: Situation Ethics, developed by Joseph Fletcher, is a teleological, relativist Christian ethical theory based on agape love (selfless love).
Contrasts with legalistic ethics (e.g., Natural Law) and antinomianism (lawless ethics).

Question 2

State the main idea and key scholar of situation ethics
What was wullam

Answer 2

Paragraph 1: The Core Principles of Situation Ethics

Main Idea: Situation Ethics prioritises agape over rules.
Key Scholar: Joseph Fletcher – identified four working principles (pragmatism, relativism, positivism, personalism) and six fundamental principles (e.g., “love is the only norm”, “love and justice are the same”).
Example: Fletcher’s “sacrificial adultery” case (woman sleeps with guard to escape prison).
Evaluation: Emphasises compassion and contextual moral reasoning.
Counterpoint: William Barclay – too subjective; “love” is vague and can be manipulated