Situation Ethics Flashcards
What is on the specification?
-agape
-Six proposition
-four working principles
-conscience
What does Fletcher believe agape can be thought as?
Summary of the ethics of Jesus
What is believed if you read the new testament correctly?
Command to love other unconditionally replaces all other laws.
name all the greek terms for love.
-Storge
-philia
-eros
-agape
What is the greek background of agape?
-altruistic love
-does not involve anything in return
-exist regardless of circumstance
explain the link between Judaism and agape.
They had 613 laws but other argued for a simpler interpretation.Rabbi Hillel ‘that which is hateful to you do not do to your neighbour that is the whole bible the rest is commentary’
What does Jesus say in the great commandment?
-he summed the law as ‘love god’ and ‘love your neighbour’
-saying there is not commandment greater than these
What is Augustine’s view of love?
If people truly love God they’ll be guided to do the right thing.
What is C.S Lewis’s opinion on love?
That it isn’t natural to use and can only be practised with God’s assistance.
What did William Temple belive about Agape?
‘loving thy neighbour’ is one’s ultimate duty but how to do it is another question.
What would Bonhoeffer’s view of love be?
Importance of community e.g fincanwalde made decision based on communal bible reading.
What is the first of the six propistions?
Intrinsically Good.
Agape is good in itself.
What is the second of the six propositions?
The only RUle
When laws and love are in conflict we must chose love
e.g NT jesus replace the old testamnet laws with agape lovee.g healing a blind man on sabbath
What is the third of the six propositions?
The same as Justice
Love that is applied rationally in a emotionless and calculated manner.
What is the fourth of the six propositions?
An attitude not a feeling
selfless commitment to help others unconditionally.
What is the fifth of the six propositions?
The end goal
There is no action that is bad or immoral as long as the outcome is agape
What is the final proposition?
Decides situationally
Love decides there and then
What are the four working principles for?
Provides a framework that guides decision making.
What is the principle of pragmatism?
useful ethical theory is the one that works in practise.
What is the principles of positivism?
begin with belief in reality and importance of christian love
What is the principles of personalism?
SE should be person centred people above rule/laws
What is the principle of relativism?
right action depend on situation and context.
What does Fletcher believe the word conscience is?
It isnt a thing (noun) it’s a thing we DO an activity
What is conscience according to Fletcher?
-director of moral decision making
-involves prayer and consideration of the fwp and sp
-doesn’t involve reviewing afterwards.
explain the abortion rape story and fletcher’s view.
-a young girl with schizophrenia was raped by a fellow patient and the father requested for a abortion however the doctor said no.
FLETCHER: In this case the young girl is able to have abortion as that’s the most loving outcome.
However what could be argues against Fletcher’s version of conscience?
-he leaves his meaning brief leaving a lot of unanswered questions
-He misses a crucial aspect of human experience where in which we do review the actions we do as this habit build character
Explain the euthanasia study and fletcher’s thoughts.
A terminally ill man was offered expensive treatment to prolong his life however this would leave his family with not much when he dies
FLETCHER: He believe that in this case it is permissible for him to refuse
Explain the prostitution case study.
A female gov agent was asked to seduce enemy spy to get information she was uncomfortable so they likened it o her brother in the front line and so she decided to do it as she knew they could potentially save many lives.
Explain Trumen’s Dilemma.
USA dropped atomic bombs in Japan which killed thousands and cause many side effects. It was debated whether this was the right thing to do some argues that because of Japanese believe in honour at war they wouldn’t have stopped if it weren’t for that.
What are 2 strengths of Agape?
-Jesus is portrays as demonstrating Agape throughout his life.
-It isn’t easy to manipulate e.g it his harder to argue that racism is a loving act even in a extreme circumstance.
What are the disadvatages of the principle of agape?
-It is far too demanding than happiness and pleasure because many of us seek this not sacrificial love
-People who believe in antionomianism would say there are no rules rules to follow but our own choice
What are 2 weaknesses of CE?
Though Fletcher uses a lot of christian beliefs it is not determines as to whether situation ethics requires christian belief
-Jesus ells his disciples if you love me then also follow my commandments which are other than love
What is a strength of emphasis on individual moral responsibiity?
Rather relying on external authority it is placed on the individual thus treating them like adults.
Because Jesus is the main focus what can this theory be describe as?
Christocentric
What are two disadvantages of individual moral responsibility
-Overly optimistic aboout our capacity to reason clealry cognitive dissonence makes it difficult to accept evvidence that goes against eeeply held beliefs
-can never be applied to society as the view of love differs.
What is situation ethics the middle way off?
Legalism-reliance on rules
Antinomianism-rejection of laws
What two things did Fletcher argue we should do before using Agape?
Sophia and Kairos
What is conscience summarized into 2 things?
-The voice of God
-Reasoning tool
