Whether situation ethics leads to antinomianism Flashcards
What is a strength of situation ethics regarding its relevance and adaptability?
Srrength
Situation ethics is perpetually relevant due to its flexibility in considering the specific situation.
Fletcher’s approach to conscience allows individuals to discern what action leads to a loving outcome in their unique circumstances, enabling Christian ethics to adapt to modern societal and technological changes.
Weakness: Natural law based Catholic argument: relativism leads to antinomianism
Weakness: Natural law based Catholic argument: relativism leads to antinomianism.
According to the natural law-based Catholic argument, relativism leads to antinomianism, which undermines the stability of society. The argument posits that while Aquinas’ natural law approach allows for flexibility through prudence and the double effect, Fletcher’s situation ethics goes too far in relativizing ethical absolutes such as the sanctity of life.
Quote supporting
Weakness
“the greatest destroyer of peace today is [abortion]. If a mother can kill her own child in her womb, what is left for you and me to kill each other?” – Mother Theresa.
How is the social order argument against situation ethics countered?
Final judgement defending situation ethics:
The social order argument is countered by pointing out that in Northern Europe, some of the most atheistic countries prioritize quality of life over sanctity of life, yet they are among the most stable and happy in the world.
What does this suggest?
Final judgement defending situation ethics:
This suggests that strict ethical principles like the sanctity of life are not necessarily required for social order, thus undermining the claim that situation ethics leads to antinomianism.
Why do Catholics argue that devaluing life threatens social stability?
Final judgement critiquing situation ethics:
Catholics argue that if a culture devalues life, it could lead to social instability. They believe that God’s design mandates the preservation of human life, and departing from this design leads to immorality and social disorder.
While individual autonomy-focused moralities like situation ethics may seem rational in specific situations, they ultimately undermine societal well-being by promoting antinomianism.
What does the Catholic argument suggest about the impact of deviating from God’s design?
Final judgement critiquing situation ethics:
The Catholic argument posits that going against God’s design, which mandates the preservation of human life, leads to immorality and social disorder. While moralities like situation ethics may prioritize individual autonomy in certain situations, they ultimately undermine societal well-being by promoting antinomianism and disregarding fixed rules.
How does the Catholic argument view moralities like situation ethics?
Final judgement critiquing situation ethics:
The Catholic argument views moralities like situation ethics as overly individualistic and prone to promoting antinomianism. While such moral frameworks may prioritize individual autonomy, they risk undermining societal well-being by deviating from God’s design, which mandates the preservation of human life and adherence to fixed moral rules.
