Situation Ethics Flashcards
1
Q
What is the fundamental principle in situation ethics?
A
Agape love
the law of love, not the love of law
2
Q
What is agape love?
A
universal and unconditional love
3
Q
what is situation ethics scriptural backing (Primacy of love)?
A
love thy neighbour
Above all, love
love each other as I have loved you
4
Q
What is the conscience according to Fletcher?
A
Conscience = reason + love + action
as love is a verb
5
Q
What are the 4 foundations of action?
A
- Pragmatism (forget about tradition, do what works now)
- Relativism (no absolutes and it all depends on the situation)
- Positivism (faith in the power of love and faith precedes understanding)
- Personalism (person> rules —–> the law was made for man, not man for the law)
6
Q
What are the 6 principles of situation ethics?
A
- Agape (only intrinsic good)
- Confirmed (confirmed through the life and teachings of Jesus)
- Justice (love distributed equally)
- Enemy (good will to even enemies)
- Situationally (determined by the conscience and the Agapeic calculus, not legislation)
- Ends (love justifies all means)
7
Q
What is the Agapeic Calculus?
A
love calculator
Proximity
Intensity
Extent
Duration
Pain
Future
Certainty
8
Q
What are Fletcher’s examples?
A
- War camp lady
- Down syndrome eugenics
- Crying baby on the wagon train
9
Q
What are the strengths of situation ethics?
A
- grounded in Christian teachings of love
- compassionate and non judgemental
- respects the complexity of situations
- respects persons
10
Q
What are the weaknesses of situation ethics?
A
- too subjective
- too much freedom
- some people prefer rules
- we need some rules to maximise love
- unlovable abusers?
- inevitable chaos
