Summary Flashcards
What is one way in which SE can be used as a Christian ethic?
Fletcher’s rule “do the most loving thing” and Jesus’ rule “love thy neighbour”
What is meant by agape and how can you challenge this?
This is constant and unconditional love, regardless of the actions of loved ones.
Altruism - selfless love, are humans actually capable of this?
What is meant by situation ethics?
The moral theory made by Joseph Fletcher which requires you to do the most loving thing in every unique situation. It is the middle way between legalistic and antinomian ethics.
What are the key theorists involved in situation ethics?
Joseph Fletcher and Robinson.
What are the four presumptions?
Pragmatism.
Personalism.
Positivism.
Relativism.
What is pragmatism?
Whether we like it or not, what is good must be judged on what works. Practical solution - Jodie+Mary - conjoined twins.
What is personalism?
It means that ethics cannot be separated from people. An ethical system without regard to people is pointless. SE focuses on love as it relates to people.
What is positivism?
It means faith claims cannot be proven true. They can only be affirmed by the person who chooses to believe their accuracy. SE only seeks to provide support for the ethical decision.
What is relativism?
The way in which love is carried out can be different in each situation. “The morality of an action depends on the situation.”
What are the six fundamentals?
- Only one thing is intrinsically good, namely love, nothing else.
- The ultimate norm of Christians decisions is love, nothing else.
- justice and love are the same, for justice is love distributed.
- Love wills the neighbours good, whether we like him or not.
- Only the ends justifies the means, nothing else.
- Decisions ought to be made situationally, not prescriptively.
What is legalism?
An approach to moral decision making where you always follow the rules no matter what.
What is antinomianism?
An approach to moral decision making where there is no guidelines or principles.
