Situation ethics Flashcards
Who originated this theory?
Joseph Fletcher.
What is it based on?
The Christian principle of love.
What should we do?
The most loving thing based on agape.
What is this agape, but what is the rest of the theory?
This agape is absolute, but the theory is relative and teleological.
What is the first working principle?
1) Pragmatism - The decision works in practise.
What is the second working principle?
2) Relativism - No fixed rules except agape.
What is the third working principle?
3) Positivism - decisions are based on agape not reason.
What is the fourth working principle?
Personalism - people come before rules and laws.
What are the 6 fundamental principles?
1) Agape is the only absolute good.
2 All decisions should be based on agape.
3) Agape and justice are the same.
4) Agape doesn’t have favourites and everyone is to be treated equally.
5) The end justifies the means.
6) Decisions vary according to the situation.
What are the strengths of situation ethics?
Takes individuals into account and puts love at the centre. Flexible and can be moulded to different situations.
What are the weaknesses of situation ethics?
Agape is very demanding and can be easily manipulated. No objectivity.
