Situation Ethics

• What does Bentham's Utilitarianism focus on?

  Utility Principle based on pain or pleasure
• What is the Hedonic Calculus used for?

  To evaluate pleasure from actions
• What are the components of the Hedonic Calculus?

  1. Intensity: Stronger happiness is better
  2. Duration: Longer pleasure is preferred
  3. Certainty: Certain pleasure is better
  4. Propinquity: Immediate pleasure is more relevant
  5. Fecundity: Pleasure leading to more pleasure is better
  6. Purity: Pleasure without pain is greatest
  7. Extent: More people sharing pleasure is better
• What is Agape in Situation Ethics?

  Unconditional Christian love commanded by Jesus
• What are the 6 Fundamental Principles of Situation Ethics?

  1. Love only is always good
  2. Love is the only norm
  3. Love and justice are the same
  4. Love wills the neighbour’s good
  5. Love is the only means
• What is the focus of Situation Ethics?

  Consequences of actions to determine morality
• What does the term 'teleological' refer to?

  Focus on end consequences of actions
• What does "Agape" refer to in Situation Ethics?

  Unconditional Christian love
• What is the Rule of Love in Situation Ethics?

  Act to bring about the most loving outcome
• What does "teleological" mean in the context of ethics?

  Focuses on end consequences of actions
• What are the 6 Fundamental Principles of Situation Ethics?

  1. Love only is always good
  2. Love is the only norm
  3. Love and justice are the same
  4. Love wills the neighbour’s good
  5. Love is the only means
  6. Love decides there and then
• What are the 4 Working Principles of Situation Ethics?

  1. Personalism
  2. Pragmatism
  3. Positivism
  4. Relativism
• Why is the context of Situation Ethics important?

  Morality concepts were changing in the West
• What cultural changes occurred in the 1960s?

  Emphasis on freedom, love, and acceptance
• Who acknowledged the changing moral landscape in the 1960s?

  Fletcher and Robinson
• What did Robinson say about Situation Ethics?

  It is for "man come of age"
• How do the 4 Working Principles apply to ethical issues?

  1. Personalism: Prioritizes human life
  2. Pragmatism: Ensures realistic outcomes
  3. Positivism: Love is the only positive criterion
  4. Relativism: Love applies to all situations
• How do the 6 Fundamental Principles apply to ethical issues?

  1. Love only is always good
  2. Love is the only norm
  3. Love and justice are the same
  4. Love wills the neighbour’s good
  5. Love is the only means
  6. Love decides there and then
• What does the terminally ill man's choice illustrate in Situation Ethics?

  Choosing financial security for family over life
• What did Jesus say about the healthy and the sick?

  “It is not the healthy who need a doctor”
• What does Mark 3:1-6 illustrate about Jesus' actions?

  He healed on the Sabbath, breaking rules
• What does John 8:1-11 demonstrate about Jesus' approach to sin?

  He forgave the woman caught in adultery
• What are the strengths of Situation Ethics?

  • Clear alternative to traditional ethics
  • Flexible and practical for complex situations
  • Easy to understand with one principle
  • Based on love, a key moral feature
  • Relevant for modern ethical dilemmas
• What are the weaknesses of Situation Ethics?

  • Subjective and individualistic
  • Can justify harmful actions
  • Inconsistent with biblical teachings
  • Lacks clear guidance for behavior
  • Unnatural to expect impartiality
• What is a specific case for abortion in Situation Ethics?

  Abortion may be loving in cases of rape
• What is a specific case against abortion in Situation Ethics?

  Abortion may not be loving if alternatives exist
• What is a specific case for euthanasia in Situation Ethics?

  Limits suffering in terminal illness cases
• What is a specific case against euthanasia in Situation Ethics?


  May go against patient’s wishes in some cases
• What is a specific case for capital punishment in Situation Ethics?

  Can protect society from unrehabilitated criminals
• What is a specific case against capital punishment in Situation Ethics?

  Criminals may rehabilitate and show love
• What is a specific case for embryo research in Situation Ethics?

  Can preserve life by eradicating diseases
• What is a specific case for designer babies in Situation Ethics?

  Can minimize suffering for terminally ill children
• What is a specific case against designer babies in Situation Ethics?

  Unfair advantages for those who can afford it
• What is a specific case for cloning in Situation Ethics?

  Can create stem cells to treat diseases
• What is a specific case against cloning in Situation Ethics?

  Could lead to unloving outcomes for clones
• How do the 4 Working Principles apply to animal rights?

  • No moral absolutes, only love
  • Personalism prioritizes human needs
  • Some actions are unloving (e.g., blood sports)
  • Uncertainty about love's application to animals
• What is a specific case against embryo research in Situation Ethics?

  Doctors may act for fame, not love