Situation ethics

• Who devised the ethical theory of situation ethics?

  Joseph Fletcher
• What does Agape refer to in the context of situation ethics?

  Unconditional selfless love
• How does Fletcher's situation ethics relate to the teachings of Jesus?


  It is based on the unconditional love modeled by Jesus
• What are Fletcher's four presuppositions in situation ethics?

  1. Personalism: Morality should prioritize people over rules.
  2. Positivism: Love is the only intrinsically good thing, held by faith.
  3. Pragmatism: Do whatever works in the situation.
  4. Relativism: Morality is relative to the situation.
• What are Fletcher's six working principles in situation ethics?

  They guide how situation ethics is applied in practice
• What is the criticism of situation ethics mentioned from William Barclay?

  It is impractical for real-world application
• Who is a critic of situation ethics representing the Catholic Church?

  Pope Pius XII
• How does Pope Francis's view on situation ethics differ from Pope Pius XII's?

  Pope Francis emphasizes doing the most loving thing
• Who heavily influenced Joseph Fletcher regarding the importance of love in Christian ethics?

  William Temple
• What philosophical approach inspired Fletcher's Agape calculus?

  Jeremy Bentham's utilitarianism
• How does situation ethics differ from legalism and antinomialism?

  It seeks a middle ground between strict adherence to laws and complete rejection of them
• What is the definition of intrinsic good in Fletcher's theory?

  • The only intrinsic good is love.
  • Everything else is subjective.
• What does the term "antinomialism" mean?

  It means against law, rejecting all laws and principles governing behavior
• What is legalism in the context of ethics?

  Strict and rigid conformity to all laws and rules
• What is the meaning of teleological ethics?

  It focuses on the consequences or ends of actions to determine moral rightness
• How does Fletcher define love in the context of situation ethics?

  Love is justice distributed
• What is the highest form of Christian love according to Fletcher?

  Agape
• How does Fletcher differentiate Agape from other types of love?

  Agape is unconditional and selfless, unlike other types of love which can be conditional
• What does Bonhoeffer's quote suggest about the Christian understanding of love?

  It emphasizes that love is more important than pleasure, honor, or fame
• What are some key scriptural references that underpin the idea of Agape in situation ethics?

  • John 15: "Love each other as I have loved you."
  • Romans 12: "Love must be sincere."
  • Galatians: "We love because he first loved us."
  • John 15: "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for friends."
  • "God is love; whoever lives in love lives in God."
• What does John chapter 15 illustrate about love?


  There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for friends.
• How does the concept of love in John chapter 15 differ from Agape love?

  It is not unconditional love, as it is specifically for the sake of friends.
• What does the quote "God is love" imply about living in love?

  Living in love means living in God and having God live in you.
• How does the idea of love support situation ethics?

  It emphasizes that life should be based on love, as God is love.
• What does Colossians say about love?

  Above all, be loving.
• What does Paul write in Corinthians about faith, hope, and love?

  The greatest of these is love.
• What is the famous quote about love used at weddings from Corinthians?

  Love is patient, love is kind; it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
• What does Agape love entail according to the text?

  Agape love is selfless and unconditional.
• What commandment does Mark chapter 12 emphasize?

  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; love your neighbor as yourself.
• How does Jesus model love according to the text?

  He models love through his healing, kindness, and sacrificial death.
• What is Fletcher's view of conscience in relation to situation ethics?

  Fletcher sees conscience as a process of decision-making rather than a fixed entity.
• How does Fletcher contrast law ethics with love ethics?

  He criticizes law ethics for being rigid and emphasizes love ethics as more flexible and compassionate.
• What does Fletcher claim about the nature of conscience?

  Conscience is merely a term for our attempts to make decisions creatively and fittingly.
• What is the first presupposition of situation ethics?

  Pragmatism, which seeks practical solutions.
• How does pragmatism relate to situation ethics?

  It emphasizes doing the most practical thing rather than adhering to rigid rules.
• What does relativism imply in the context of situation ethics?

  Morality is relative to the facts of the particular situation.
• What does positivism state about faith in a god of love?

  Faith in a god of love is proposed and supported, and it comes before reasoning.
• What is the fourth presupposition of situation ethics?

  Personalism, which prioritizes people over rules.
• How does Fletcher define the relationship between love and law?

  Love is superior to law, and love should guide moral decision-making.
• What is the first working principle of situation ethics?

  Love is the only absolute and is intrinsically good.