Situation Ethics Flashcards
situationism
The view that moral principles can be helpful but should be put aside in favour of ‘doing the right thing’ if the situation calls for it.
relativism
If situations vary then consequences vary and what we ought to do will change accordingly
( so
every situation is relative to christian love)
What does Fletcher say about conscience?
It is a verb, not noun. A process.
example of catholics being against situation ethics
mortal sin - intrinsically bad
blasphemy
Bonhoeffers view
Rusty swords
Old rules that are no longer relevant are avoided by only focusing on Jesus and agape love
quote for Barclay
“if all men were saints then situation ethics would be perfect”
positives of situation ethics (4)
-adaptable to specific situations
-founded upon Jesus’ teachings (‘no commandment greater than these’)
- story of adulterous woman and ignoring law and doing most loving thing
-flexibility and accommodates modern development (rusty swords)
who talks about all men not being saints and how that is why situation ethics will never work
Barclay
positivism
using the principles of Christian love, a value judgement has to be made
phillips
there will be situations where people will get hurt regardless
what does John McQuarrie say to criticise it
difficult to apply across a society because it is based upon individuals
personalism
person centred - putting people first and taking responsibility for others
agape love
unconditional love
Legalism
The ethical perspective that uses absolute, prescribed rules that are unchanging.
antinomianism
The view that no moral principles are needed. One may act as they desire in a situation.
why does Fletcher use the six propositions
They are the judgements that Fletcher makes, without which situation ethics will not work. They each attempt to clarify what agape love is.
pragmatism
acting, in moral situations, in a way that is practical, rather than purely ideological.
what are the six fundamental principles
1- intrinsically good
2- deciding factor in christian decisions
3-justice
4- not like
5- end justifies means
6- situational
what are the four working principles
Pragmatism, Relativism, Positivism, Personalism
Complete the proposition: Love alone is
always good
Complete the proposition: Love and
justice are the same
Complete the proposition: Love justifies
the means
teleological ethics
moral goodness is determined by the end or result
