03 Teleological Ethics: A Joseph Fletchers Situation Ethics - Rejection Of Other Forms Of Ethics And His Acceptance Of Agape As The Basis Of Morality Flashcards
Who is Joseph Fletcher?
An American professor.
What is legalism?
Rules are followed in an absolute way. It places high importance on rules.
What is antinomianism?
Literally means ‘against law’. The situation will provide the solution, which can be found through intuition / conscience.
What did fletcher think of legalism? Why?
He didn’t like it because there is no flexibility.
What did fletcher say about legalism?
‘Every decision is prefabricated rules.’
What did fletcher think about antinomianism? Why?
He didn’t like it as no rules would cause moral chaos.
What did Joseph Fletcher say about antinomianism?
‘It is unprincipled, ad hoc and casual. They are anarchic’
What is the middle way?
You enter a moral dilemma with ethics, rules and principles of community or tradition you belong. But you are prepared to set aside those rules if love seems better served by doing so.
What is middle way the application of?
Agape love
What is agape love?
Agape is a giving love, non reciprocal, altruistic and unconditional.
What does relative mean?
Each situation has to be looked at independently because each situation is different.
What does consequential mean?
Moral judgements should be based on the outcome or consequence of an action.
What does teleological mean?
The approach is concerned with the end purpose or goal. Not the action. The end justifies the means.
How does the Good Samaritan show agape?
Samaritans hate the Jews but the samaritoan helped the Jew anyway. Represents agape love.
How does St Paul’s 1st letter to the Corinthians show agape love?
Describes the nature of agape love. It is intrinsically good.
