what did fletcher believe were the 3 possible approaches to moral life?
LEGALISM - approach which reduces moral life to a system of regulations
ANTINOMIANISM - the view that rules and principles should be rejected
SITUATIONISM - (fletcher’s approach) believes absolutely in the rule of love, but believes that it needs to be applied situationally.
what is the four working principles?
PRAGMATISM - by which he means that we must seek practical solutions which work to achieve success. Fletcher makes explicit his debt to pragmatist William James
RELATIVISM - he argues that whatever we do must be related to both the facts about ourselves and what we are able to do and the particular facts of the situation
POSITIVISM - the belief in a god of love
PERSONALISM - requires that we place people, not principles or rules of things, at the centre of all our moral considerations
what are the six propositions?
only one ‘thing’ is intrinsically good; namely love
the ruling norm of christian decision is love, nothing else
love and justice are the same, for justice is love distributed: nothing else
love wills the neighbour’s good whether we like him or not
only the end justifies the means
love’s decisions are made situationally
what does fletcher mean by conscience?
he says it should be understood as a verb in other words simply how we act this is very brief but means simply to act using our conscience
he says christian situationists equate good with agape whilst non-christian situationists find some other account such as aristotle’s flourishing
ESSAY PLAN - SITUATION ETHICS GOOD/BAD
“does situation ethics provide a helpful method of moral decision making?”
POINT 1
teleological/relativist, treating conscience as the source of moral knowledge undermines divine law (st paul)
- Situation ethics has received a negative reception from the Catholic Church – 1952 Pope Pius XII heavily criticised it and in 1956 the Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office banned it from being taught in Catholic places of worship – was argued that although conscience can be used to interpret what God wanted of mankind, SE treats conscience as the source of moral knowledge “the law of God is written on their hearts” (St Paul)
- Can be argued that teleological relativist theories undermine fundamental moral truth laid down by God
ESSAY PLAN - SITUATION ETHICS GOOD/BAD
“does situation ethics provide a helpful method of moral decision making?”
POINT 1 - counter argument
religious deontological morality is dogmatic and backward - we should follow relativism
- Catholic Church morality is an example of dogmatic, bigoted attitudes which are simply unacceptable in 21st century society – NL commits a naturalistic fallacy of believing there is an intrinsic “natural” right and wrong which leads to prejudice against those who do not conform e.g. homosexuals
- Instead of focusing on a divine law, people should be placed at the centre of moral decision making Pragmatism maintains that ethics should be concerned with solutions as opposed to moral truths – morality should be based on experience and solutions in practice and not principle
ESSAY PLAN - SITUATION ETHICS GOOD/BAD
“does situation ethics provide a helpful method of moral decision making?”
POINT 1 - counter response
relativism justifies any act (vardy)
• Yet even if one rejects moral law was laid down by God, it is still possible to criticise teleological relativist theories for denying absolute moral truths, meaning evil acts could be justified in extreme circumstances, if they were bringing about a loving outcome e.g. torturing a terrorists child in order to disclose the location of a bomb. Charlotte and Peter Vardy argue it’s “lack of clear guidance” means the theory ends up being so permissive arguably any action could be justified.
ESSAY PLAN - SITUATION ETHICS GOOD/BAD
“does situation ethics provide a helpful method of moral decision making?”
POINT 1 - conclusive response
love is the only fundamental truth ?(positivism, st paul)
- Positivism – one cannot deduce good from natural principles or order; rather good should be created by starting with faith in God to positively reason what God’s will, would dictate in each situation. Good is not discovered.
- “Only one thing is intrinsically good; namely love: nothing else at all” “Love never fails” (St Paul 1 Corinthians)
ESSAY PLAN - SITUATION ETHICS GOOD/BAD
“does situation ethics provide a helpful method of moral decision making?”
POINT 2 - christian love, principle of love is too vague (messer)
- The concept of agape seems to be a matter of personal opinion or interpretation; one could arguably justify any action by claiming it was loving in their opinion
- N. Messer writes situation ethics is “essentially a version of act-utilitarianism” – both are teleological, relativist theories which admit no absolute laws and put the interests of many above a few the charge is that Fletcher has simply taken agape to mean “do whatever is best for the people involved in a given situation”, which is arguably the principles of utility! Messer writes that a Xn ethical theory must be distinctively and specifically Xn i.e. not shared by non-Xns.
ESSAY PLAN - SITUATION ETHICS GOOD/BAD
“does situation ethics provide a helpful method of moral decision making?”
POINT 2 - counter argument
true meaning of agape (c.s lewis and 6 propositions)
- Many misinterpret and oversimplify Fletcher’s use of agape to mean a type of sentimental love, but really it is a more powerful form of love, which exists unconditionally. C.S Lewis in ‘The Four Loves’ distinguishes between the different types of love – agape is not a sexual love (eros), or a friendship (philia) but a charitable, unconditional love (agape). It is love for “what is not naturally loveable” The Good Samaritan
- The six propositions outline the complex and powerful nature of agape “Love and justice are the same, for justice is love distributed, not else” – justice and love are not in tension, rather justice is Christian love applied rationally. Sometimes one has to make the most loving decision, which may appear unloving e.g. to allow one euthanasia. Love is not merely sentimental
ESSAY PLAN - SITUATION ETHICS GOOD/BAD
“does situation ethics provide a helpful method of moral decision making?”
POINT 2 - counter response
inconsistent morality
• As moral standards will alter according to the situation there cannot be a universal moral code
ESSAY PLAN - SITUATION ETHICS GOOD/BAD
“does situation ethics provide a helpful method of moral decision making?”
POINT 2 - conclusive response
relativism over legalism (relativism + case study)
- Relativism is the idea that there must be no fixed or definite rules or truths. Situationists must avoid words such as “never” or “complete”.
- His ethic is based on situationism, a middle way between two arguable errors in ethical thinking: legalism and antinomianism. He argues whereas legalism reduces life to a system of set regulations (leading to puritanism where rules take precedence over people, as shown by the Pharisees), and antinomianism maintains a complete denial of rules, situationism takes moral principles and applies them situationally (recognising that sometimes there will be exceptions to moral rules). Fletcher rejects “pre-fabricated decisions and prescriptive rules”.
- Case study examples to illustrate how some situations require moral principles to be abandoned A woman who committed adultery with a Russian prison camp guard so she would become pregnant and be able to return to her family. A doctor who allows an abortion for a patient in a mental hospital who was raped. Killing someone to prevent a family blood feud which would result in more deaths.
ESSAY PLAN - SITUATION ETHICS GOOD/BAD
“does situation ethics provide a helpful method of moral decision making?”
POINT 3
personalism vs legalism, puts people at the heart of decision making (personalism + fletcher)
• Personalism – people are the ultimate moral value; whereas legalistic morality places rules above people, SE focuses good on its relation to the good of people. “Love is of people, by people and for people” (Fletcher ‘Situations ethics’)
ESSAY PLAN - SITUATION ETHICS GOOD/BAD
“does situation ethics provide a helpful method of moral decision making?”
POINT 3 - counter argument
people can act on motives rather than love (barth + niebuhr)
- An individual could claim they were acting situationally when they may be actually be motivated by “baser motives” it can be “used to justify doing what people feel inclined to do, rather than what may be right” better to be told what is deontologically right and wrong e.g. primary precepts…
- Karl Barth and Reinhold Niebuhr raised the issue that if mankind is fallen, it is simply too optimistic to think that we are naturally incline to do good things. Our nature, and our free will is corrupted and we are sinners. We would naturally follow our desires, not agape.
ESSAY PLAN - SITUATION ETHICS GOOD/BAD
“does situation ethics provide a helpful method of moral decision making?”
POINT 3 - conclusive response
responsibility and power given to humans; encourage moral behaviour
- By placing the power to make moral decisions on humans, one is forced to take responsibility for their actions and truly think about what will bring about the best outcome
- Instead of the moral law resting on a divine or natural standard, morality is created by people and for people – although NL claims the primary precepts can be discovered rationally, clearly they cannot as some subvert the precepts e.g. gay people
ESSAY PLAN - TRULY CHRISTIAN
“Is Fletcher’s understanding of agape truly religious or does it mean nothing more than wanting the best for a person involved in a given situation?”
“Situation ethics is simply utilitarianism with a different name. Discuss.”
POINT 1
christian love (vs. secular theory) agape is no more than principle of utility (messer)
- The concept of agape seems to be a matter of personal opinion or interpretation; one could arguably justify any action by claiming it was loving in their opinion
- N. Messer writes situation ethics is “essentially a version of act-utilitarianism” – both are teleological, relativist theories which admit no absolute laws and put the interests of many above a few the charge is that Fletcher has simply taken agape to mean “do whatever is best for the people involved in a given situation”, which is arguably the principles of utility!
ESSAY PLAN - TRULY CHRISTIAN
“Is Fletcher’s understanding of agape truly religious or does it mean nothing more than wanting the best for a person involved in a given situation?”
“Situation ethics is simply utilitarianism with a different name. Discuss.”
POINT 1 - counter argument
true meaning of agape (cs lewis)
- Many misinterpret and oversimplify Fletcher’s use of agape to mean a type of sentimental love, but really it is a more powerful form of love, which exists unconditionally. C.S Lewis in ‘The Four Loves’ distinguishes between the different types of love – agape is not a sexual love (eros), or a friendship (philia) but a charitable, unconditional love (agape). It is love for “what is not naturally loveable” The Good Samaritan, “Love you enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you” (Matthew 5)
- The six propositions outline the complex and powerful nature of agape “Love and justice are the same, for justice is love distributed, not else” – justice and love are not in tension, rather justice is Christian love applied rationally. Sometimes one has to make the most loving decision, which may appear unloving e.g. to allow one euthanasia. Love is not merely sentimental
ESSAY PLAN - TRULY CHRISTIAN
“Is Fletcher’s understanding of agape truly religious or does it mean nothing more than wanting the best for a person involved in a given situation?”
“Situation ethics is simply utilitarianism with a different name. Discuss.”
POINT 1 - counter response
not distinctively christian (messer)
Messer writes that a Xn ethical theory must be distinctively and specifically Xn i.e. not shared by non-Xns.
ESSAY PLAN - TRULY CHRISTIAN
“Is Fletcher’s understanding of agape truly religious or does it mean nothing more than wanting the best for a person involved in a given situation?”
“Situation ethics is simply utilitarianism with a different name. Discuss.”
POINT 1 - conclsive response (messer + sheep and goats)
- Messer argues for an exclusivist Christian ethic, which is unhelpful in globalised and multi-faith societies – pluralism and inclusivism highlight that Jesus holds a truth and not the truth his teachings can be mediated and enacted by all
- The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats explains that, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me” – clearly what matters is action over belief. All can act via agape, which means that although agape is distinctive to Christianity (insofar as it comes from Jesus’ teachings and God’s generous love) it is not exclusive to Christians alone!
ESSAY PLAN - TRULY CHRISTIAN
“Is Fletcher’s understanding of agape truly religious or does it mean nothing more than wanting the best for a person involved in a given situation?”
“Situation ethics is simply utilitarianism with a different name. Discuss.”
POINT 2
god’s divine law, absolute moral truths (st paul)
• 1956 the Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office banned it from being taught in Catholic places of worship – was argued that although conscience can be used to interpret what God wanted of mankind, SE treats conscience as the source of moral knowledge “the law of God is written on their hearts” (St Paul)
• Can be argued that teleological relativist theories undermine fundamental moral truth laid down by God
CA: NATURALISTIC FALLACY; ALL MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD
ESSAY PLAN - TRULY CHRISTIAN
“Is Fletcher’s understanding of agape truly religious or does it mean nothing more than wanting the best for a person involved in a given situation?”
“Situation ethics is simply utilitarianism with a different name. Discuss.”
POINT 2 - counter argument
naturalistic fallacy, all made in the image of god (vardy)
- Observing what commonly happens in nature then arguing this is what must happen.
- In his work “The Puzzle of Ethics” (1994) Paul Vardy challenged the way Aquinas insistently links general principles to lesser purpose. For example does sex ALWAYS have to end in reproduction? Are other sex acts immoral?
- If all are ultimately made in the “image of God”, and some are homosexual and thus are unable to reproduce, surely this proves there is not one human nature – all human natures (as long as they do not bring about harm) should be accepted, and certainly not labelled as “unnatural”
ESSAY PLAN - TRULY CHRISTIAN
“Is Fletcher’s understanding of agape truly religious or does it mean nothing more than wanting the best for a person involved in a given situation?”
“Situation ethics is simply utilitarianism with a different name. Discuss.”
POINT 2 - counter response
propositional revelation, reason (ten commandments + sermon on mount)
• Yet some may argue that the God’s eternal law is clearly laid out through the Divine law – propositional revelation and scripture Ten Commandments, Sermon on the Mount. Paul’s teachings against homosexual, “you shall not lie with a woman as with a man”
ESSAY PLAN - TRULY CHRISTIAN
“Is Fletcher’s understanding of agape truly religious or does it mean nothing more than wanting the best for a person involved in a given situation?”
“Situation ethics is simply utilitarianism with a different name. Discuss.”
POINT 2 - conclusive response
rationally work out what is most loving (positivism + st paul)
- The Bible should be read hermeneutically, not objectively, as it as out-dated and contradictory source!
- Furthermore, Jesus himself criticised the Pharisees for blindly following tradition and rules – true Christians must work out autonomously what is right and wrong this idea is developed through Fletcher’s notion of the conscience! Situationism is a middle way between legalism and antinomianism
- Positivism – one cannot deduce good from natural principles or order; rather good should be created by starting with faith in God to positively reason what God’s will, would dictate in each situation. Good is not discovered: “Only one thing is intrinsically good; namely love: nothing else at all” “Love never fails” (St Paul 1 Corinthians)
ESSAY PLAN - TRULY CHRISTIAN
“Is Fletcher’s understanding of agape truly religious or does it mean nothing more than wanting the best for a person involved in a given situation?”
“Situation ethics is simply utilitarianism with a different name. Discuss.”
POINT 3
other xn duties than love (mouw)
• Richard Muow (a Protestant theologian) argues Just focusing on Agape as a guiding principle is mistaken – there are many other ethical commandments in the Bible.
