Ethical Decision making

• Divine command theory


  • Belief that actions are right if God commands them to be
  • These commands are found in the bible such as the Ten Commandments
  • It is an absolutist theory which means that it cannot be changed
  • Deontological theory because it focuses on action. e.g. Murder will always be wrong because of the commandment "Thou shall not kill"
  • Catholic Church follows this theory
  • Catholics believe it it important to follow this theory as they could be rewarded with eternal life
• Situation Ethics


  • Looks at the situation before deciding what to do.
  • Developed by Joseph Fletcher who argued that any action can take place as long as agape is the priority
  • He called agape the 'boss principle'
  • E.g. Murder cam be allowed if it is the most loving action
  • Teleological theory because it focuses on the purpose rather than the action
  • Relative theory as it looks at the situation
  • E.g. Catholic who follows this theory may allow abortion if the women had been raped.
• Virtue Ethics


  • A person should develop virtues to be a moral person
  • Aquinas taught that there are four cardinal virtues; prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude
  • Taught that there are 3 theological virtues which are faith, hope and charity (love)