Situation Ethics-Key Knowledge

Question 1

Who is the founder of Situation Ethics?

Answer 1

Joseph Fletcher

Question 2

What are Fletcher’s six propositions?

Answer 2

Agape love..
1.Intrinsically good
2.The only rule
3.The same as justice
4.An attitude not a feeling
5.The end goal
6.Decides situationally

Question 3

What are Fletcher’s Four Working Principles?

Answer 3

The principle of Pragmatism which states the mark of a useful ethical theory is one that works in practice.

The principle of Positivism which states that ethical decision making ought to begin with belief in the reality and importanceof Christian love (agape).

The principle of Personalism which states that people should be placed above laws/rules. Situation Ethics should be person-centred.

The principle of Relativism which states that right actions are not absolute (fixed) and are dependent on the situation (context).

Question 4

What does Agape mean?

Answer 4

Unconditional love

Question 5

What does Kairos mean?

Answer 5

Greek term meaning time. In ethics it is the moment of decision, time.

Question 6

What does Sophia mean?

Answer 6

Greek term meaning wisdom. The term Fletcher used to refer to general principles.

Question 7

What type of theory is Situation Ethics?

Answer 7

Teleological, consequentialist

Question 8

What does Fletcher say conscience is?

Answer 8

A verb not a noun-the voice of God.