Origins Flashcards
What was his book called and when was it published?
Situation ethics - 1966
What type of theory is situation ethics, why and give an example?
It is a relative and teleological theory as the end result justify the action for example stealing food is bad but if it is for a starving family the action is justifiable
What is situation ethics based on?
Agape love
What is agape?
Selfless love
Where can we see example of agape love?
The New Testament in the bible - Jesus shows the ultimate agape by giving his life on the cross
What quote of Jesus demonstrates agape love?
“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13
Why were the 1960s a key influence in fletcher proposing situation ethics?
The 1960s were a time of liberty so fletcher rejected following strict rules
What type of Christian was fletcher?
Liberal
What did fletcher think were the 3 main approaches to ethics?
Legalistic - following rules (the 10 commandments)
Antinomianism - not following rules but just responding to the moral situation
Situation ethics - look at a moral situation and act out of love. This should be your guide
Why did fletcher not agree with the legalistic and antinomianism approaches?
He didn’t like the legalistic approach as he didn’t like strict rules as sometimes you need to out rules aside in order to make the best moral situation.
He didn’t like the antinomianism approach as he believed that some rules were needed as a spontaneous decision would not be the most ethical.
Whose theory is this?
Joseph fletcher
What is the taxi can example?
Fletcher was in St. Louis when the presidential campaign was happening being driven by a taxi cab driver who was from a family of republicans.
Fletcher asked him would he vote republican this time to which he replied “no, there are times when a man has to push his principles and do the right thing”
