3C Situation Ethics: application of the theory

Question 1

What are the two instances that the spec requires you to apply Situation Ethics to?

Answer 1

• Homosexuality

* Polyamorous relationships

Question 2

Give an introduction to homosexuality.

Answer 2

• Fletcher was writing at a time when homosexuality was illegal
• He argued that human laws/attitudes to homosexuality were outdated, inconsistent, and unjust
• To treat ppl w/ prejudice + discrimination on account of sexuality ≠ a proper legal approach
• 1957 Wolfenden report: “It should not be the duty of the law to concern itself w/ matters of immorality such as homosexuality”
• In 1960, Fletcher wrote a paper entitled, ‘Sex offenses: an ethical view’
- F argued that it was a mistake to let a particular r./philo. stance dictate law
- F’s conclusion = propose that sex laws should be restricted by three criteria: the age of consent; infringement of public decency; acts involving assault, violence, duress, or fraud.

Question 3

Give an introduction to polyamorous relationships.

Answer 3

• R.ships involving two or more ppl, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved
• Popularity = growing, yet many see it as an abnormal ethical deviation rather than one of alternative acceptable practice
• There is no standard model - no fixed definition
• Many of the great men of the Bible – Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon – had many wives
- But, the Bible never really condones this practice. It simply describes it as part of the lifestyle of a typical ancient Middle-eastern chieftain

Question 4

Outline the application of situation ethics to homosexuality and polyamorous relationships.

Answer 4

• Ethics should not be driven by an absolutist, legalistic approach; the agapeic (boss) principle = the one constant; this sets SE apart from antinomianism
• Homosexual and polyamorous relationships should have the same treatment in SE as any other r.ship; the agapeic principle decides morality
• “The situationist follows a law or violates it according to love’s need”
- R. laws such as commandment 157 (of 613) suggest that homosexuality = wrong: Leviticus - “You shall not lie with a man as with a woman that is an abomination.”
- FP2 = ‘Love is the ruling norm’ ∴ if loving consequences occur, Leviticus can be ignored
- The boss principle would never say that homosexual/polyamorous r.ships are wrong ∵ it is a relativistic ethic ∴ does not believe actions are right/wrong in themselves (FP6, ‘love decides situationally’)
• Morally good
- If consequences = agape; ignore Leviticus
• Morally bad
- Selfish consequences i.e. a homosexual/polyamorous relationship based on lust, not love; do not ignore Leviticus ∵ love is not best served by breaking the rule

Question 5

Explain how the first working principle, pragmatism, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

Answer 5

• If the r.ship would work practically, then it is good

* However, it not (e.g. if both ppl were going to different universities) then it is bad

Question 6

Explain how the second working principle, relativism, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

Answer 6

• No r.ship = right/wrong in itself; judged on outcomes

Question 7

Explain how the third working principle, positivism, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

Answer 7

• G loves us all; all made in his image ∴ acceptable

Question 8

Explain how the fourth working principle, personalism, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

Answer 8

• Look towards people, not laws

Question 9

Explain how the first fundamental principle, love = ruling norm relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

Answer 9

• All r.ships are good if they promote agape

Question 10

Explain how the second fundamental principle, love = only good, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

Answer 10

• Do not abide by restrictive laws

Question 11

Explain how the third fundamental principle, love = justice, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

Answer 11

• All r.ships are just if they promote agape

Question 12

Explain how the fourth fundamental principle, love for all, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

Answer 12

• All r.ships are open to the poss. of being morally good

Question 13

Explain how the fifth fundamental principle, loving ends justify means, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

Answer 13

• Deepening a loving r.ship justifies that it is homosexual

Question 14

Explain how the sixth fundamental principle, love decides situationally, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

Answer 14

• Each sit. = unique

Question 15

Give a good quote from Fletcher to conclude an essay.

Answer 15

• “Whether any form of sex (hetero, homo, or auto) is good or evil depends on whether love is fully served.”