Situation ethics

SE is a relativistic, consequentialist theory. Does not prescribe fixed rules; considers outcomes of actions.
It was first developed by Joseph Fletcher in Situation Ethics (1963)
The theory was inspired by Jesus' gospel message of love (Agape - unconditional love)
Fletcher appealed to Biblical scholar Rudolf Bultman, according to whom Jesus taught no ethics other than 'Love thy neighbour as thyself'
ANTINOMIANISM AND LEGALISM
1. Fletcher distinguished SE from two common approaches in ethics: legalism and antinomianism (nomos = law)
  1. Legalists enforce fixed rules and rigid morality.
    1. Anti - nomians shun laws and live without moral restraints .
      1. According to Fletcher, his theory avoids the pitfalls of both, being more flexible than legalism and more principled than anti-nomianism
THE FOUR WORKING PRINCIPLES
1. Fletcher stated that there are 4 basic principles to SE
  1. 1). Pragmatism - Moral actions must work or achieve some realistic goal. 2).Relativism - There are no fixed laws which must always be obeyed. 3). Positivism - First place is given to Christian love, rooted in faith. Belief precedes action. 4). Personalism - People come first, not rules or ideals: 'Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath'
6 FUNDAMENTAL PRINICIPLES
1. Fletcher wanted to guide and help people act in accordance with Agape he provided principles to act as a guideline, these relate closely to Biblical teaching on what Christian love should be.
  1. 1. Love is the only good - Actions are only good if they help humans (showing love for another) and they are bad if they hurt people.
  2. 2. Love is the only norm - Jesus and St Paul replaced the Torah with the principle of love, in the past Christians have broken the 10 commandments to do the right thing
  3. 3. Love and Justice are the same, and love is justice distributed - Love and justice can not be separated
  4. 4. Love wills the neighbours good, whether we like him or not - your neighbour is anybody and Agape love goes out to everyone
  5. 5.Love is the only means -When weighing up a situation, one must consider what you want the outcome to be and what you need to do to get there. Fletcher said the end must be the loving thing.
  6. 6. Love decides there and then - whether something is right or wrong depends on the situation and can't be pre - determined
2. Application of Fletcher's theory.
  1. Sacrificial Adultery - Russian Concentration Camp, pregnant women considered liability
    1. Merciful Murder - Mother smothers baby to prevent being discovered by hostile Indians.
STRICT APPLICATION OF THE BIBLE'S RULES NO LONGER NEEDED
1. The adulterous woman - Evidence of PERSONALISM
2. Jesus and the Sabbath Day
3. Jesus commented on the divorce law
POPE PIUS XII
1. SE individualistic
2. SE subjective
3. SE seens to prepared to accept any action.
William Barclay Criticisms
1. Fletcher uses extreme cases to illustrate SE
  1. Suggestion laws can be abandoned too optimistic
    1. Emotions can sway decisions
SE STRENGTHS
1. Clear alternative to Christian Ethics
2. Flexible and Practical

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Situation ethics

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