Situation ethics.

Question 1

What did Joseph Fletcher say about Situation ethics?

Answer 1

• “The morality of an action depends on the situation”.

- Inspired by agape.

Question 2

What did Fletcher divide his principles into/

Answer 2

Pragmatism: moral actions must work or achieve some realistic good.

Relativism: There are no fixed laws which must always be obeyed.

Positivism: First place is given to Christian love.

Personalism: People come first, not rules or debate.

Question 3

What are the advantages and disadvantages of situation ethics?

Answer 3

Advantages:

• No clear definition of love.
• Christian system.
• Flexible relativist system.
• Emphasises agape.
• It is practical.

Disadvantages:

• Atheists might not want to follow example of Jesus.
• Danger that the ideals of unconditional love may be influenced by a selfish human tendency.
• Love is very subjective.
• William Barclay criticised Fletcher.