Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary principle that John Fletcher proposes for making ethical decisions in situation ethics?
What is the primary principle that John Fletcher proposes for making ethical decisions in situation ethics?
Agape, or selfless love, is the primary principle for making ethical decisions.
How does situation ethics relate to consequentialism?
How does situation ethics relate to consequentialism?
Situation ethics is a consequentialist theory as it evaluates actions based on the outcomes they produce.
Explain the principle of relativism in situation ethics.
Explain the principle of relativism in situation ethics.
Relativism in situation ethics rejects absolute rules, emphasizing that moral decisions depend on individual situations.
What does the principle of pragmatism imply in the context of situation ethics?
What does the principle of pragmatism imply in the context of situation ethics?
According to Fletcher, what is the relationship between love and justice?
According to Fletcher, what is the relationship between love and justice?
Describe how situation ethics distinguishes between good and bad actions.
Describe how situation ethics distinguishes between good and bad actions.
What role do personal relationships play in situation ethics?
What role do personal relationships play in situation ethics?
What does Fletcher mean by 'the ends justify the means' in situation ethics?
What does Fletcher mean by 'the ends justify the means' in situation ethics?
Flashcards
Situation Ethics
Situation Ethics
A moral philosophy that emphasizes the importance of love (agape) in decision-making, rather than strict rules or principles.
Agape
Agape
A core concept in Situation Ethics, referring to selfless and unconditional love that aims to promote the well-being of others.
Pragmatism
Pragmatism
A key working principle of Situation Ethics, stating that the practical consequences of an action are more important than abstract moral rules.
Relativism
Relativism
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Personalism
Personalism
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Love is the only good
Love is the only good
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Love equals justice
Love equals justice
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Love has no favourites
Love has no favourites
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Study Notes
Situation Ethics
- John Fletcher rejected traditional ethical systems, preferring a consequentialist approach based on agape (Christian love).
- Situation ethics prioritizes love (agape) as the sole intrinsic good, regardless of the situation.
- Decisions are based on the outcome (consequences) of an action, aiming for maximum love/selflessness.
- It's relativistic, meaning that a moral judgement depends on the specific circumstances of a situation, rather than fixed rules.
Working Principles
- Pragmatism: Actions must be practical and effective in producing the desired outcome.
- Relativism: Moral rules like "always" or "never" are rejected, as absolutes are inappropriate.
- Positivism: Love is the highest good and needs to take priority.
- Personalism: Individual people are prioritized; morality focuses on personal responses, rather than objective laws.
6 Working Principles
- Love: The central tenet – intrinsically good, regardless of situation. It involves self-giving to others.
- Love is the norm: Christian love is self-giving and responsible love. It prioritizes others' best interests but respects people's free will.
- Love & Justice: Love inevitably leads to justice (fairness, where everyone gets what they deserve).
- Love & Neighbours: Love extends to all, including those we don't naturally favour, such as enemies.
- Means & Ends: The goal is love, and actions are judged based on that goal, not the means used to get there.
- Situational Variation: Actions that produce love in one situation might be wrong in another, unlike traditional ethics which have fixed rules.
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