Ethics Theme 3- Teleological Ethics Flashcards
Who created Situation Ethics?
Joseph Fletcher
What decade did Fletcher propose Situation Ethics?
1960s
Why was the fact that Fletcher proposed Situation Ethics in the 1960s important?
It was a time of societal change
What were the two ethical ideologies at the time?
Legalism and Antinomianism
What is legalism?
Strictly following the rules in an absolute way
What is antinomianism?
Not following the rules instead using your conscience
Why did Fletcher reject legalism?
•It was too restrictive
•It lacked compassion for challenges people faced
•It put laws before people
•It led to forcing people to obey laws even when it harmed them
Why did Fletcher reject antinomianism?
•It was random
•It would lead to chaos
•it didn’t protect vulnerable numbers of society
•It was inconsistent
What did Fletcher propose instead of legalism and antinomianism?
The middle way
What was the middle way?
You should enter a moral situation following the law but should break them if it’s the most loving option
What is the boss principle of situation ethics?
Agape love
What is agape love?
Altruistic, unconditional love for others
What are the other types of love than agape love? What are the definitions?
Storge- Familial love
Philios - Friendship love
Eros- Sexual love
What are the positives of agape love?
•It doesn’t discriminate against people
•It shows love for all people equally
•It’s a firm principle to base all moral decisions so avoids the chaos of antinomianism
•It’s flexible showing different love depending on the situation so avoids the rigidity of legalism
What are the two biblical passages that show agape love?
The Parable of the Good Samaritan and St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians
