Strengths and Weaknesses of the BIG FOUR

Question 1

Strengths of NML

Answer 1

1. Aquinas’ approach to human nature is universal (everyone has reason)
2. Objective theory (some actions always wrong)
3. Doctrine of double effect and proportionalism give a degree of flexibility
4. Pinker: aspects of our moral behaviour are determined genetically

Question 2

Weaknesses of NML

Answer 2

1. Nature is not always good (natural disasters)
2. Not universal to atheists
3. Focus on reproduction raises moral issues for couples who are infertile
4. Sactre: Humanity does not have a purpose, we are radically free beings
5. Feminists: Aquinas is a medieval misogynist
6. Situationists: Jesus taught a less legalistic theory

Question 3

Strengths of Situation Ethics

Answer 3

1. Responded to changing social climate
2. Keeps with Jesus’ teaching and his rejection of legalism
3. Agape is a desirable attitude to have to others
4. Provides flexibility and can avoid terrible consequences

Question 4

Weaknesses of Situation Ethics

Answer 4

1. Christian Response: NML is source of moral knowledge, Jesus condemned somethings as always wrong
2. Vardy (x2) Confuses concept of agape. Love in bible is most importantly love of God. (+ Baser motives)
3. William Barclay: Fletcher’s examples are abnormal. Ethics should simplify things. SE fails at this. No laws.

Question 5

Strengths of Kant

Answer 5

1. Categorical Imperative prohibits acts that would be considered immoral.
2. Kant distinguishes between duty and inclination.
3. Theory gives human beings intrinsic worth: ends in themselves
4. Absolutism leads to consistency (universal as all have reason)

Question 6

Weaknesses of Kant

Answer 6

1. Theory based on rationality. Not all have same rationality (sadist may universalise sadism)
2. Disallowing individuals from being used as a means makes theory impractical
3. Universability implies all moral dilemmas are the same
4. Absolutism means no exceptions. What if morals conflict?

Question 7

Criticisms of Divine Command Ethics

Answer 7

1. Atheists have no moral obligations
2. Acting out of fear is self preservation
3. Moral truths eternal and unchanging? Different religions disagree?
4. Euthyphro Dilemma / Bible / Dawkins / Marx / Freud / Nietzche / Sharpe