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
Fletcher distinguished SE from two common approaches in ethics: legalism and antinomianism (nomos = law)
Legalists enforce fixed rules and rigid morality.
Anti - nomians shun laws and live without moral restraints .
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
Fletcher stated that there are 4 basic principles to SE
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
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. 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. 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. Love and Justice are the same, and love is justice distributed - Love and justice can not be separated
4. Love wills the neighbours good, whether we like him or not - your neighbour is anybody and Agape love goes out to everyone
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. Love decides there and then - whether something is right or wrong depends on the situation and can't be pre - determined
Application of Fletcher's theory.
Sacrificial Adultery - Russian Concentration
Camp, pregnant women considered liability
Merciful Murder - Mother smothers baby to prevent being discovered by hostile Indians.
STRICT APPLICATION OF THE BIBLE'S RULES NO LONGER NEEDED