Situation Ethics Flashcards
What is type of ethical theory is situation ethics?
Teleological-it focuses on the consequence of action rather than rigid rules
What is situation ethics?
Situation ethics is an ethical theory pioneered by Joseph Fletcher in the 1960s.
-It is a relativistic, teleological, and consequentialist approach to moral decision-making, focusing on the specific circumstances of a situation.
What did Fletcher say about ridgid rules?
-Fletcher developed this theory to address ethical dilemmas with flexibility, rejecting rigid rules and absolute laws. -Instead, he emphasized the importance of agape love—a selfless, unconditional Christian love—as the guiding principle for ethical decisions.
-Fletcher argued that actions should not be judged as inherently right or wrong but evaluated based on whether they promote love in a given situation. He stated that love “relativizes the absolute, does not absolute the relative,” meaning that love should adapt to each circumstance rather than adhering strictly to fixed rules.
How do Fletcher’s ideas link to the Bible?
-This approach makes situation ethics relativistic, as moral judgments depend on the context rather than universal laws. Fletcher’s focus on agape aligns the theory with Christian principles, urging individuals to act with the intention of serving others’ best interests.
-The Bible supports this principle of love, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” This verse reinforces that love is the highest moral value and should be at the core of all decisions. -J.A.T. Robinson supported this, stating that situation ethics is “the only ethic for man come of age,” recognizing its adaptability for modern ethical challenges.
