situation ethics Flashcards
what are the strengths and weaknesses of situation ethics?
strengths-
>flexible and less ridged way of making moral decisions
weakness-
>situation ethics can justify things such as killing.
name 3 of the 6 fundamental principles?
> the end ‘love’ justifies the mean.
decisions are made situationally e.g.. speeding because someone needs to get to hospital.
nothing is initially good except love
outline joseph fletcher and his thoughts?
> key philosopher
come up with situation ethics (third way)
devised the 3 approaches of morality-
-legalistic- laws followed + at forefront
-antinomian- absence of law
-situational approach
describe agape?
> unconditional love
taught by Jesus
demonstrated agape and situation ethics on the day of the sabath.
name the three ways of making moral decisions?
situation ethics- loving thing to do
legalism- following all laws when making decisions
antinomianism- following no laws
name 3 of the working principles?
positivism- gods love comes first
personalism- decisions should be based around humans
pragmalism- any action must be practical + work towards a successful end
relationism- decisions should be made situationally not retrospectively
what are the key features of situation ethics?
>the middle of three ways into making moral decisions >1960's >ethical theory >joseph fletcher was the founder > teleological argument
why is the era 1960 important in situation ethics?
> was when fletcher came up with situation ethics.
contraception pre marital sex, homo sex ,aids was all introduced.
people where going against tradition
womens rights, equal pay act 1963
describe fletchers case?
sacrificial adultery-
>women held in camp
>only way to get out and see family is if she got pregnant
>asks guard to get her pregnant or kill her
>most loving thing to do would be to get pregnant to she can see and provide for her family and give new baby a good life.
