Situation ethics is not too individualistic and subjective

Question 1

situation ethics IS too individualistic and subjective

Answer 1

The emphasis on individual decision-making means that this could never be an ethic that could be applied in a society, as views of love differ.

Question 2

situation ethics IS too individualistic and subjective

Answer 2

Other thinkers who have used love as the basis of decision-making have continued to recognise the importance of community for ethical decision-making. For instance, Bonhoeffer’s community at Finkenwalde made decisions based on communal Bible reading, prayer and conversation. They recognised the importance of other people in discerning the right course of action.

Question 3

situation ethics IS too individualistic and subjective

Answer 3

Situation ethics may be overly optimistic about our capacity to reason clearly and reach moral decisions.
Psychologists refer to the phenomenon of cognitive dissonance, which makes it difficult for us to accept evidence that goes against a deeply held belief.
Theologians such as Augustine and Barth would also be cautious about our ability to reach good decisions, as humans are fallen creatures and this affects our reasoning.

Question 4

situation ethics IS too individualistic and subjective

Answer 4

Fletcher’s view on conscience as being a key process in decision-making is a little vague in terms of detail. In criticising other views he arguably misinterprets Aquinas, whose views on conscience may be closer to Fletcher’s than he realises.