Situation Ethics Flashcards
Why is situation ethics a relativistic ethical system?
Because every situation to approached uniquely, their is no absolute laws to abide by
When was Joseph Fletcher Writing?
In the 1960s
What did fletcher think about Natural Law or loving according to the bible?
That these ethics were too legalistic
What is the only absolute law in situation ethics?
Agape
Why is situation ethics teleological?
It is concerned with what will achieve the most loving outcome
Ends justify….
Means
WW2 Mrs Bergmeier example
She was separated from her family when she is taken to a Russian work camp, told that the only way she will be released is if she is sick or pregnant, she gets pregnant by a guard and is reunited with her family. Her husband completely understands her use of adultery. The ends justify the means
Four working principles
Pragmatism
Relativism
Positivism
Personalism
Pragmatism
Practical outcome
Relativism
The rightness of each situation depends on the circumstances
Positivism
Act as if your course of action will result in the most loving outcome
Personalism
You must put people before law
How did Christ demonstrate using the four working principles?
He worked on the sabbath - put people before the law. Jesus came to give people freedom from the confines of legalism
First proposition?
Love is the only intrinsically good thing
The second proposition?
The ruling norm of Christian decisions is love
