2.2 Situation Ethics Flashcards
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joeseph fletcher (1966), the ethical decision should be based off the most loving outcome in a specific situation, rather than applying moral rules
situationalism
fletcher argued that ethical decisions not use fixed rules, instead should focus on the specific contexts of the situation
agape (unconditional love)
central concept of situation ethics, meaning selfless unconditional love. agape is the only intrinsic good, any action is moral if its the most loving outcome
pragmatism 4wp
the action must be practical and work in the real world
relativism 4wp
no action is absolutely right or wrong, everything depends on the situation
positivism 4wp
starting with the belief in gods rule, the decision maker must choose acts based on love
personalism 4wp
the moral decision must focus on people and their well being
six propositions (fundamental principles)
- agape love is absolute norm
- love overrides all other laws
- love and justice are the same
- love has no favourite
- love is the end
- the loving thing to do is relative in the situation
strengths of situation ethics
- flexibility
- real-world application
- focuses on love
weaknesses of situation ethics
- lack of clear guidelines
- subjectivity
- risk of moral relativism (can justify harm)
example application
adultery and euthanasia
criticism - william barclay
- may be applicable in extraordinary situations, but too far fetched for real life
- no clear moral absolutes to base our decisions on, it can justify any action, even those which are considered extremely immortal
