Situation ethics, a theory developed by Joseph Fletcher in the 1960s, is an ethical approach that emphasizes the importance of situational context in moral decision-making. The theory suggests that moral decisions should be based on love and the needs of individuals in the situation, rather than on fixed moral rules or principles. This essay will explore the contribution made by Situation Ethics to moral decision-making, drawing on the perspectives of scholars and sources.
One of the key contributions of Situation Ethics to moral decision-making is its emphasis on love as the foundation of ethical decision-making. According to Fletcher, "The basic idea of situation ethics is that the highest principle in human affairs is love" (Fletcher, 1966, p. 26). Love is seen as the primary criterion for determining what is morally right in any given situation. Fletcher argues that love is not just a feeling, but a "concrete, positive act" that seeks to promote the well-being of others (Fletcher, 1966, p. 28). This means that ethical decisions should be made with a view to maximizing the love and well-being of those involved in a situation.
Another contribution of Situation Ethics is its rejection of absolute moral rules and principles. Fletcher argues that moral principles such as the Ten Commandments are not universally applicable, but must be interpreted in the context of each situation. He suggests that moral rules and principles are "guidelines" rather than absolute truths, and that they should be evaluated based on their ability to promote the well-being of individuals in a particular situation (Fletcher, 1966, p. 31). This means that ethical decisions must be made with reference to the specific needs and circumstances of the individuals involved in a particular situation.
A further contribution of Situation Ethics to moral decision-making is its emphasis on personal responsibility. According to Fletcher, individuals are responsible for making moral decisions in their own lives, and must take responsibility for the consequences of their actions (Fletcher, 1966, p. 29). This means that ethical decisions cannot be made by simply following a set of rules or principles, but require individuals to exercise their own judgment and take responsibility for their decisions.
Critics of Situation Ethics have argued that the theory is too relativistic and lacks a firm moral foundation. Some have suggested that the theory leads to a form of moral subjectivism, where individual preferences and desires are given precedence over objective moral truths (Geisler, 1989, p. 83). Others have argued that the theory fails to provide a clear standard for evaluating the moral worth of different actions, and that it can lead to a lack of moral accountability (Gert, 2005, p. 73).
Despite these criticisms, Situation Ethics has made a significant contribution to moral decision-making by emphasizing the importance of situational context and personal responsibility in ethical decision-making. The theory has helped to highlight the need for a more nuanced and context-sensitive approach to moral decision-making, and has challenged the notion that fixed moral rules and principles can provide a universal basis for ethical decision-making. By emphasizing the importance of love as the foundation of ethical decision-making, Situation Ethics has also helped to promote a more compassionate and empathetic approach to moral decision-making, which seeks to maximize the well-being of all individuals involved in a particular situation.
References:
Fletcher, J. (1966). Situation Ethics: The New Morality. Westminster John Knox Press.
Geisler, N. L. (1989). Ethics: Alternatives and Issues. Baker Book House.
Gert, B. (2005). Common Morality: Deciding What to Do. Oxford University Press.
1 Explore the key concepts of Situation Ethics. (8) 2017 AS Q
1 Explore the role of Situation Ethics in moral decision making. (8)
1 Explore the distinctive ideas of Situation Ethics.(8) 2019 Q
Developed by Joseph Fletcher in response to great moral changes in society, e.g. sex before marriage (1960’s). It’s a Christian teleological theory, i.e. consequentialist. JAT Robinson was a supporter, and part of the ‘Death of God Movement’ - rejected traditional idea of the three tiered universe (Heaven, Earth & Hell) for belief that God is the ‘ground of our being’ (Bonhoeffer). So, God guides us morally from within, apparently dispensing with the need for biblical rules and Church teachings. Robinson wrote ‘Honest to God’ (1963) stating Situation Ethics is the ‘only ethic “for man come of age (Tillich)”’. This was not well received in the Church, which having investigated the moral changes concluded it should not change its teaching on marriage and the family (BCC). Leaving Robinson to warn that if it did not take on-board Situation Ethics it would ‘only ensure the form it takes will be anti-Christian’.
Fletcher published ‘Situation Ethics’ outlining his theory. In this he identified 3 approaches to morality: Legalism (rules), antinomianism (no rules/principles) and Situationism (midway between the two). Fletcher wrote the situationist respects and uses the rules, but ‘is prepared … to compromise them or set them aside if love seems better served …’ (principle of utility). This was inspired by the teaching of Jesus to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ - agape love - care and compassion for all humans. Jesus, the original situationist, demonstrated love, e.g. saved an adulterous woman from being stoned to death permitted by Jewish Law. Four presuppositions characterise the theory, i.e. pragmatism (practical), relativism (situation dependent), positivism (positive) and personalism (people first). The 6 principles outlined how agape should be understand; i.e. love is always good, the only norm, the only means, the same as justice, does not require us to like our neighbour and decides there and then. To illustrate when Christian rules should be laid aside for agape he included extreme case studies from his own life, history and literature, e.g. ‘Sacrificial adultery’ of POW Mrs Bergemeir. This new morality set Fletcher and Robinson apart from the Church’s old morality, just like Jesus (new) and the Pharisees (old)
Situation ethics is a teleological, relative ethical theory which is based on love. The theory uses motive and states that any rules can be bended if love is best served. Situation ethics is most commonly assioated with philosopher such as Jopseph Fletcher USA and JAT Robinson UK who developed it in the 1960s. In the 20th century the USA & UK were facing some drastic changes which involved women occupying a place in the workforce, secularisation, Vietnam war, civil rights movement and hippy culture. People were moving away from the church (legalism) and more towards antonmianism. Society was doing more of what was ethically right and putting rules to a side.
Fletcher quoted a St Louis cab driver who said "sometimes you gotta put principles to one side and do what is right" this shows that it was a running trend on breaking the rules in order to get the best outcome of a situation. Fletcher also has 3 approaches to his theory which are as follows; legalism which means you have to abide by the rules, antonmianism which means that you do what you please and situational which means you can bend the rules if love is best served.
Another feature of SE is based on agape which is a Greek term which means 'selfless love'. Fletcher stated that the rule of his theory was that agape love is essential and should be applied to every situation. He used the example of Jesus' quote in the New Testament which was "love thy neighbour" expressing that everyone should consider agape love before making decisions. Fletcher said that any laws can be bended for this law. Fletcher uses the term 'best interests' which relates into doing whatever will have the best outcome in any situation, the term also links in with Singers Utilitriansim which is preference Util. Both philisophers are looking for the best interests of everybody and not harming anyone.
Another attribute of SE are the 4 fundemental prepositions one of them is relativism which means that any laws can be broken in order to do what is right e.g. If a teenage girl was pregnant by getting raped she she could get rid of the baby without having to consider the baby as she is doing what is best for herself. Another preposition is positivism which means that love should be considered for every action e.g. You can lie (breaking a rule' in order to save ones life
Another feature of SE are the six working principles, one of them is that love is always good, a quote from Fletcher "nothing itself in or itself except love" this quote shows that love is harmless and if everyone considers love for one another there is no harm in life. Another principle is love is the only means which means that as the theory is telelogical and if love is the outcome the end justify the means e.g. If you have to break in to someone's house to save a loving one then it is right to do so.
Moreover , another feature of SE is unique situations. Fletcher studied unsolvable cases and applied fixed rules to them. If society had no rules then there would be chaos e.g. Murders, robbery etc. Fletcher linked these cases and based the, on the most loving thing to do. Fletcher used the example of a woman that commits adultery in order to return to her family. She broke the 1 of the 10 commandments of God wich is "thy shall not commit adultery" this emphasise Fletcher's view on how important love is and any rule should be bended if love is best served.
1 Explore the
1 Explore the six fundamental principles of Situation Ethics (8)
Situation Ethics was developed by Joseph Fletcher based his theory on the promotion of agape. Agape is a type of love that is unselfish, it has no hope of personal gain (i.e. it doesn't expect to be loved in returned). Fletcher uses six fundamental principles to set out his understanding of Christian love. The first principle is "Only one thing is intrinsically good, namely love: nothing else at all". This suggests that the only thing that is good is love and love is good because it is good. This can be linked to the idea of the main Christian teaching being love and links to the teaching from St Paul – 1 Corinthians 13 "these three remain: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love". Both this teaching and the first principle highlight the fact that love is the highest good, therefore showing that the first principle works in favour of Situation Ethics, as it is promoting love as a good way of making moral decisions. This is the second principle is "the ruling norm of Christian decision is love: nothing else". This is suggesting that love should be the basis of all decisions. Jesus replaced the Torah (JewishLaws) with the principle of love, love replaces law. For example, Jesus healed on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6) as it was the most loving thing to do even though it broke Jewish law. Again, 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 supports this principle, loving actions should not be done for reward (e.g. experiencing a good feeling or seeking altruistic deeds in return) but should be done for their own sake. The third principle states: 'Love and justice are the same, for justice is love distributed nothing else'. This means that love and fairness is the same, therefore love is fair. A biblical teaching agreeing with this principle in Galatians 5:15 "The whole law is summed up in one statement/commandment: "love your neighbour as you love yourself"".
The principle and teaching both suggest that love and fairness are the same, therefore love is fair and you would achieve fairness by loving your neighbour as you love yourself. The fourth principle states 'Love wills the neighbour's good, whether we like him or not'. This means that love should be unconditional for everyone, for example, even though they have sinned, murders should be loved. Mark 12:28-31 supports this with the teaching of "love your neighbour as you love yourself". As well as St Paul in Ephesians 2:13- 15 which states that love is powerful and you should love everyone equally. Both teachings, as well as the principle suggest that everyone should be loved even your enemy. Matthew 5:46 also states "why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you?" This suggests that you should love everyone as God does, everyone deserves love.
The fifth principle states 'only the loving end justifies the means, nothing else'. This means that the outcome must be loving; no matter what the action is, if the outcome is love, then it is right. No action is 'right' or 'wrong' in itself e.g. even murder can be 'right' if the outcome is a loving one. Matthew 5:46 states "why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you?" This suggests that you should love everyone as God does, 2 everyone deserves love. The suggestion that love should be unconditional for everyone supports the idea of love being the best way to make moral decisions. Fletcher's final principle "love’s decisions are made situationally, not prescriptively" means that as relativistic ethic, each unique situation is assessed and a loving outcome sort. There are no prescriptive rules to follow. Humans have the responsibility of free will and are not bound by any law. With this comes the responsibility to 'do the most loving thing' in every situation.
1 Explore the context and development of Situation ethics as the ‘new morality’ of the mid-20th century. (8)
1 Explore social, political and cultural influences on the development of Situation Ethics (8)
1 Explore the concepts of agape and situationalism in ethics. (8)
1 Explore two strengths of the Situation Ethics. (8)
1 Explore the application of Situation Ethics theory to the specific case study of Environment Ethics. (8)
1 Explore the application of Situation ethics theory to the specific case study of War. (8)
1 Explore biblical examples of situationist thinking, such as illustrated in the ministry of Jesus. (8)
1 Explore the strengths of Situation Ethics . (8)
1 Explore the reasons why Utilitarianism may be thought to be a convincing ethical theory. (8)
1 Explore the weaknesses of Situation Ethics. (8)
1 Explore the weaknesses of the developments and use of Situation Ethics today. (8)
1 Explore the weaknesses of using of Situation Ethics to resolve Abortion as a moral issue. (8)
1 Explore the strengths of using of Situation Ethics to resolve Euthanasia as a moral issue. (8)
1 Explore the changes in the law and social attitudes vis a vis the theory of Situation Ethics. (8)
1 Explore compatibility or otherwise of Situation Ethics with religious approaches to ethics. (8)
Situation Ethics was developed by Joseph Fletcher based his theory on the promotion of agape. Agape is a type of love that is unselfish, it has no hope of personal gain (i.e. it doesn't expect to be loved in returned). Fletcher uses six fundamental principles to set out his understanding of Christian love. The first principle is "Only one thing is intrinsically good, namely love: nothing else at all". This suggests that the only thing that is good is love and love is good because it is good. This can be linked to the idea of the main Christian teaching being love and links to the teaching from St Paul – 1 Corinthians 13 "these three remain: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love". Both this teaching and the first principle highlight the fact that love is the highest good, therefore showing that the first principle works in favour of Situation Ethics, as it is promoting love as a good way of making moral decisions. This is the second principle is "the ruling norm of Christian decision is love: nothing else". This is suggesting that love should be the basis of all decisions. Jesus replaced the Torah (JewishLaws) with the principle of love, love replaces law. For example, Jesus healed on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6) as it was the most loving thing to do even though it broke Jewish law. Again, 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 supports this principle, loving actions should not be done for reward (e.g. experiencing a good feeling or seeking altruistic deeds in return) but should be done for their own sake. The third principle states: 'Love and justice are the same, for justice is love distributed nothing else'. This means that love and fairness is the same, therefore love is fair. A biblical teaching agreeing with this principle in Galatians 5:15 "The whole law is summed up in one statement/commandment: "love your neighbour as you love yourself"".
The principle and teaching both suggest that love and fairness are the same, therefore love is fair and you would achieve fairness by loving your neighbour as you love yourself. The fourth principle states 'Love wills the neighbour's good, whether we like him or not'. This means that love should be unconditional for everyone, for example, even though they have sinned, murders should be loved. Mark 12:28-31 supports this with the teaching of "love your neighbour as you love yourself". As well as St Paul in Ephesians 2:13- 15 which states that love is powerful and you should love everyone equally. Both teachings, as well as the principle suggest that everyone should be loved even your enemy. Matthew 5:46 also states "why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you?" This suggests that you should love everyone as God does, everyone deserves love.
The fifth principle states 'only the loving end justifies the means, nothing else'. This means that the outcome must be loving; no matter what the action is, if the outcome is love, then it is right. No action is 'right' or 'wrong' in itself e.g. even murder can be 'right' if the outcome is a loving one. Matthew 5:46 states "why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you?" This suggests that you should love everyone as God does, 2 everyone deserves love. The suggestion that love should be unconditional for everyone supports the idea of love being the best way to make moral decisions. Fletcher's final principle "love’s decisions are made situationally, not prescriptively" means that as relativistic ethic, each unique situation is assessed and a loving outcome sort. There are no prescriptive rules to follow. Humans have the responsibility of free will and are not bound by any law. With this comes the responsibility to 'do the most loving thing' in every situation.