Situation Ethics Flashcards
Who founded situation ethics?
Joseph Fletcher
When was situation ethics founded?
In the 1960’s
What is legalistic ethics?
Follow strict rules
Why did Fletcher reject legalistic ethics?
Issue when life needs new rules, can produce a web of laws
What is antinomianism?
No rules at all
Why does Fletcher reject antinomianism?
Because it is unprincipled
What is situation ethics concerned with?
Love and people, not the rules, nothing is always right or wrong
What is situation ethics sensitive to?
the complexities of life
Fletcher’s quote about rules and situation ethics pls
‘The siuationist follows a moral law or violates it according to love’s needs’
Williams Temple’s quote pls
‘What acts are right may depend on the circumstances…but there is an absolute obligation to will whatever may be on each occasion right’
The first fundamental principle
Love is always good
Actions are not intrinsically good or bad
The second fundamental principle
love is the only norm
rules are not absolute
the third fundamental principle
love and justice are the same
They cannot be separated
The fourth fundamental principle
Love wills the neighbour good
Agape love, neighbour is anyone and agape love goes out to everyone
The fifth fundamental principle
Love is the only means
End must be the most loving result
The sixth fundamental principle
Love decided there and then
If action will bring about the most love, then it is right
Why did Fletcher reject natural law?
People looked at laws instead of their conscience and reasoning.
What ethical decision making system do Orthodox churches use?
Legalistic ethics
Biblical teachings
What ethical decision making system do Roman Catholics use?
Legalistic ethics
Bible teachings
Natural law
What ethical decision making system do Anglicans use?
Mixture of absolutism and relativism
Mixture of conscience and scripture
Reason
Experience
What is agape love?
Unconditional love for God.
It is not sentimental or erotic.
Altruistic ~ does not benefit them
Examples of Jesus being a situationist?
1) Working on the Sabbath —> ‘The Sabbath is made for man, not man for the Sabbath.’
2) Adulterous woman, forgives her.
What is natural law?
Natural law states that actions are good or bad depending on the law of nature.
Is natural law deontological or teleological?
Deontological