Situation Ethics (with application)

Question 1

What is the definition of Situation Ethics?

Answer 1

A Christian ethical theory developed by Joseph Fletcher in the 1960s, focusing on agape (unconditional love) as the guiding moral principle.

It’s a teleological (consequence-based) and relativist approach.

Question 2

What is the one guiding rule in Situation Ethics?

Answer 2

Do the most loving thing in the situation.

Question 3

List the six fundamental principles of Situation Ethics.

Answer 3

• Love is the only intrinsic good
• Love justifies the means
• Love is justice distributed
• Love is not liking
• Love is the only norm
• Love is the fulfillment of the law

Question 4

What are the four working principles of Situation Ethics?

Answer 4

• Pragmatism
• Relativism
• Positivism
• Personalism

Question 5

What does Situation Ethics reject?

Answer 5

Legalism and antinomianism; it offers a middle path.

Question 6

How does Situation Ethics approach lying?

Answer 6

Depends on context; if lying produces the most loving outcome, it’s justified.

Question 7

What is the Situation Ethics stance on embryo research?

Answer 7

Flexible approach; if it leads to cures and helps reduce suffering, it may be the most loving choice.

Question 8

How does Situation Ethics view abortion?

Answer 8

Depends on circumstances; allowed if it is the most loving response.

Question 9

What is the Situation Ethics perspective on capital punishment?

Answer 9

Case by case; justified if it brings about the most loving result for society.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: Situation Ethics is a _______ approach.

Answer 10

teleological

Question 11

True or False: Situation Ethics supports strict rule-following.

Answer 11

False

Question 12

Fill in the blank: The guiding moral principle of Situation Ethics is _______.

Answer 12

agape

Question 13

What does personalism emphasize in Situation Ethics?

Answer 13

Putting people before rules.