The four working principles Flashcards
What are the four working principles in Fletcher’s Situation Ethics?
Pragmatism, Relativism, Positivism, and Personalism.
What does Pragmatism mean in Fletcher’s Situation Ethics?
An action must be calibrated to the reality of the situation.
How does Fletcher define Relativism in his theory?
Fletcher states his theory “relativizes the absolute, it does not absolutize the relative”. Absolutes like “Do not kill” become relative to love, while not any moral claim can be justified; it must be relative to love.
What does Positivism mean in the context of Fletcher’s Situation Ethics?
Fletcher thought ethics had to begin with faith in love because no rational answer can be given for why someone should love; it is a matter of faith in Jesus’ command to love your neighbour as yourself.
What is Personalism in Fletcher’s Situation Ethics?
Situation ethics puts people above rules, following Jesus’ teaching that “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath”. Rules can be broken if it is for the good of humanity.
How does Fletcher apply the principle of Relativism to moral absolutes?
By making absolutes like “Do not kill” relative to love, allowing them to be overridden if the outcome is loving, such as in some cases of euthanasia.
Why does Fletcher argue for Positivism as a starting point for ethics?
Because he believed that ethics must begin with faith in love, as rational answers cannot justify why one should love; it relies on faith in Jesus’ command.
How does Personalism prioritize human needs in Situation Ethics?
It emphasizes that rules are made to serve humanity, and they can be broken if it benefits human well-being, reflecting Jesus’ teaching about the Sabbath.
How does Fletcher’s Pragmatism principle ensure the effectiveness of moral actions?
By ensuring that actions are suited to the specific circumstances and practical realities of the situation.
How does Relativism in Situation Ethics avoid total relativism?
By ensuring that moral claims are always relative to love, thus only those claims valid under the principle of love are justified.
What example from Jesus’ teachings does Fletcher use to support Personalism?
Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath,” showing that human needs can justify breaking rules.
