Situation Ethics - Evaluations

Question 1

Give 4 strengths of situation ethics.

Answer 1

1. Combines deontological thinking (it is our duty to act with love) with consequentialist thinking.
2. It is effective, practical and can be universalised.
3. It gives us moral responsibility…we are the moral agents, not God.
4. Consistent with the overall message of the New Testament but is compatible to secular society too.

Question 2

Give 6 weaknesses of the situation ethics and who presents them.

Answer 2

William Barclay:
1. Too idealistic
2. Gives too much freedom
3. No clear moral absolutes
4. Mankind has not yet come of age…need law
5. Love is different for everyone…can easily be taken advantage of
6. Public vs private morality…need laws as there is no such thing as private morality; our actions always affect other in society somehow