The subjectivity issue Flashcards
What does Fletcher mean by “love” in situation ethics?
Strength
Fletcher defines “love” as not just a feeling but as the action that promotes a loving outcome, avoiding the unreliability of emotions.
What is the significance of agape in Fletcher’s ethics?
Strength
Agape represents Christian love, specifically selfless love, as advocated by Jesus to love one’s neighbor as oneself, providing a stronger basis for ethics.
How does Fletcher’s theory address the subjectivity of love in ethics?
Strength
Fletcher’s theory distinguishes between subjective interpretations of love and Christian selfless love (agape), arguing that actions must align with the latter to be considered ethical, thus rejecting the justification of actions like those of the Auschwitz guard.
What is a weakness regarding the subjectivity of agape in Fletcher’s situation ethics?
weakness
Agape, defined as loving one’s neighbor as oneself, is still subjective as it depends on how one loves oneself, which can vary greatly among individuals.
How does Christopher Hitchens critique the concept of loving one’s neighbor as oneself?
Weakness
Hitchens argues that the quality of loving oneself may not always be good, and individuals may not want to be loved in the same way, leading to subjectivity in the application of agape.
How does Hitchens provide an example to illustrate the subjectivity of agape?
Weakness
Hitchens suggests that individuals with harmful ideologies, such as Nazis or Viking warriors, may view harming others as an expression of love based on their own distorted self-love, highlighting the subjective nature of agape in ethical decision-making.
How does situation ethics respond to the criticism regarding the subjectivity of agape?
evaluation defending
Situation ethics argues that the criticism misunderstands agape, as it is about loving one’s neighbor as oneself rather than merely treating them as one would like to be treated.
How does situation ethics address the actions of Nazis and Viking warriors in relation to agape?
Evaluation defending
Situation ethics suggests that despite their actions, individuals like Nazis and Viking warriors were not truly motivated by self-love, and therefore did not exemplify agape in their behavior.
What is the criticism against Fletcher’s abandonment of strict laws in situation ethics?
Final judgement critiquing situation ethics:
The criticism argues that by abandoning strict laws, Fletcher dilutes Christian ethics into subjective perceptions of love, which are not distinct from secular morality or general well-wishing, ultimately leading to a form of antinomianism.
