Situation Ethics

Question 1

What does Fletcher say about ABSOLUTE RULES?

Answer 1

Fletcher argues that each individual situation is different. Absolute rules are TOO DEMANDING and RESTRICTIVE.

-Bible shows what good moral decisions look like in particular situations and it is not possible to know God’s will in every situations.

Therefore AGAPE (love) is Situation Ethics only moral “rule”.

Christians should make right choices without just following rules and by THINKING for themselves.

Question 2

What is Fletcher’s example of agape love?

Answer 2

It would be right for a mother with a 13 year old daughter who is having sex to break the rules of under age sex and insist the daughter wears a condom.

The right choice is the most loving thing depending on the situation.

Question 3

What does Fletcher say are the FOUR WORKING PRINCIPLES of Situation Ethics?

Answer 3

PRAGMATISM: What you propose must work in PRACTICE.

RELATIVISM: words like “always” “never” are rejected. There are NO FIXED RULES. All decisions must be relative to agape.

POSITIVISM: A VALUE JUDGEMENT needs to be made giving the first place to LOVE.

PERSONALISM: people are put in FIRST PLACE. Morality is PERSONAL. Not centred on LAWS.

Question 4

What are SOME of the SIX FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES Joseph Fletcher suggests?

Answer 4

1. ) Agape is THE only absolute. It is the only thing INTRINSICALLY “good” or “right”
2. ) Justice will follow from love because “justice is love distributed”. Justice is concerned with giving everyone their due so concern is neighbours not just our neighbour.
3. ) Love has NO FAVOURITES. Does not give whom we like preferential treatment. It’s good will reaches out to strangers, friends and enemies.
4. ) Love must be the FINAL END. Not a means to an end