Whether situation ethics grants people too much freedom Flashcards
Why do Fletcher and Robinson argue that situation ethics is suitable for modern society?
Strength of situation ethics: Situation ethics is designed for modern society
They argue that humanity has ‘come of age,’ becoming more mature, educated, and self-controlling. This maturity allows for the flexibility in moral decision-making that situation ethics requires.
How does the concept of humanity ‘coming of age’ influence Fletcher’s situation ethics?
Strength of situation ethics: Situation ethics is designed for modern society
It suggests that modern people are more capable of handling moral complexities and can be trusted with the autonomy to make decisions based on love, rather than needing fixed, rigid rules.
How did Bonhoeffer influence Fletcher and Robinson’s views on situation ethics?
Strength of situation ethics: Situation ethics is designed for modern society
Bonhoeffer influenced their belief that people have become more mature and civilised, enabling them to understand and act on the nuances of moral situations without compromising societal stability.
What is the historical context behind the necessity for fixed rules in ancient and medieval times according to Fletcher?
Strength of situation ethics: Situation ethics is designed for modern society
In ancient and medieval times, people were generally less educated and less self-controlling, necessitating fixed, rigid rules to maintain social order and guide behavior.
What is a strength of situation ethics in the context of modern society?
Strength of situation ethics: Situation ethics is designed for modern society
It grants people more autonomy, reflecting their increased capacity for understanding and making nuanced moral decisions, which can enhance love without risking societal stability.
Who disagreed with Fletcher’s view on situation ethics and why?
Weakness: William Barclay
William Barclay disagreed, arguing that situation ethics gives moral agents a dangerous amount of freedom, which can lead to selfishness and cruelty if love is not perfect.
What does Barclay believe is necessary for freedom in moral decision-making to be good?
Weakness: William Barclay
Barclay believes that for freedom to be good, love has to be perfect. Without sufficient love, freedom can lead to selfishness and even cruelty.
According to William Barclay, why is situation ethics not suitable for modern society?
Weakness: William Barclay
Barclay argues that humanity has not yet come of age and still needs the crutch and protection of law, suggesting that people are not yet mature enough to handle the autonomy granted by situation ethics responsibly.
What does Barclay say about the necessity of laws for mankind?
Weakness: William Barclay
Barclay believes that laws are necessary because mankind still needs the protection and guidance of law, indicating that people are not yet capable of acting with perfect love.
How does Barclay’s view on human maturity contrast with Fletcher’s?
Weakness: William Barclay
While Fletcher believes humanity has matured and can handle moral complexities, Barclay argues that mankind has not yet matured enough and still requires the protection of fixed laws to prevent selfishness and cruelty.
What is the main critique of situation ethics by William Barclay?
Final judgement defending Situation ethics:
Barclay argues that situation ethics gives moral agents too much freedom, which can lead to selfishness and cruelty if love is not perfect.
How does Barclay justify the need for laws in moral decision-making?
Final judgement defending Situation ethics:
Barclay believes humanity has not yet matured enough and still needs the crutch and protection of laws to guide their actions and prevent misuse of freedom.
What is the main defense of situation ethics against Barclay’s critique?
Final judgement defending Situation ethics:
The defense argues that while some may abuse the autonomy granted by situation ethics, legalism’s inflexibility and outdated morality are worse downsides.
How does the direction of history support Fletcher’s situation ethics?
Final judgement defending Situation ethics:
History shows people becoming more educated and civilised, suggesting they can be trusted with more freedom, making Fletcher’s approach more suitable for modern society.
What is Fletcher’s rationale for granting more freedom in moral decision-making?
Final judgement defending Situation ethics:
Fletcher believes that modern society, being more mature and educated, can handle the complexities of moral situations better than in the past, where rigid rules were necessary.
