Situation ethics is a relativist moral theory developed by Joseph Fletcher in 1963 based on the idea that the morality of an action depends on the situation rather than fixed rules. It is inspired by Jesus' message of love (agape) as described in the Bible. Fletcher argued morality should be flexible and consider the outcomes and consequences of actions, placing primary importance on love. Situation ethics evaluates actions based on four working principles: pragmatism, relativism, positivism rooted in Christian love, and personalism putting people before rules. It distinguishes itself from both legalism, which relies on rigid rules, and anti-nomianism, which rejects all moral restraints. While situation ethics emphasizes love and flexibility, critics argue
Situation ethics is a normative ethical theory developed by Joseph Fletcher in the 1960s. It holds that the only intrinsically good thing is love, and that moral decisions should be made based on the situation by considering what decision best displays love. Situation ethics rejects both legalistic ethics, which bases morality on fixed rules, and antinomian ethics, which rejects all rules. Instead, situation ethics allows that established moral rules may be set aside if following love requires a different action. Strengths include flexibility, but weaknesses include the difficulty determining consequences and potential for justifying harmful actions.
Functionalism views crime as inevitable and having some positive functions for society. Durkheim believed crime reinforces social solidarity and norms, as it provokes condemnation that reaffirms shared values. Crime can also drive social change by challenging norms. However, functionalist theories have been criticized for ignoring individual experiences and how crime primarily benefits certain groups. Subsequent theorists like Merton, Cohen, and Cloward and Ohlin incorporated structural factors and examined how blocked opportunities and cultural goals can lead some groups to form deviant subcultures as alternative means to achieve success and status.
1. The document discusses several theories of crime and deviance, including functionalism, strain theory, and subcultural theories.
2. Functionalism argues that crime has positive functions for society by reaffirming social norms, while strain theory proposes that individuals engage in deviant acts when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals through legitimate means.
3. Subcultural theories suggest that some groups develop their own norms and values in opposition to the dominant culture in response to status frustration or a lack of opportunity, which can lead to criminal behavior.
Ethical intuitionism holds that objective moral truths exist independently of human beings and can be discovered through moral intuition. Intuitionism posits that intuitive ability is innate and shared among all moral agents. However, intuition requires a mature mind and may differ depending on factors like culture, so intuitive "truths" are not infallible. Both G.E. Moore and H.A. Prichard were proponents of intuitionism, believing that moral obligations are recognized through intuition rather than defined rationally. While intuitionism allows for objective moral values, it faces challenges in providing proof of intuition and in resolving conflicts between differing intuitions.
Emotivism is a meta-ethical theory that believes objective moral laws do not exist and that moral terms express personal emotional attitudes rather than factual propositions. According to A.J. Ayer, the philosopher who developed emotivism, ethical statements are neither verifiable nor analytic, but are used to express approval or disapproval in order to influence others. Emotivism faces challenges as it does not allow for basic moral principles to be established, renders ethical debate pointless, and means there can be no universal agreement on what actions are right or wrong.
Meta-ethics examines what is meant when we use ethical terms like "good", "bad", "right", and "wrong". It does not tell us how to act, but rather explores the meaning and origin of moral language. The document outlines several meta-ethical theories, including intuitionism (ethical truths are known intuitively), emotivism (moral statements express attitudes), and prescriptivism (morality involves universal principles). It traces the development of meta-ethical thought over time and how different philosophers have approached understanding ethics.
This document summarizes Kantian and deontological ethical systems. It discusses act-deontologists who believe each act requires an individual moral decision based on conscience. Rule-deontologists like Kant believe in universal moral principles or rules. Kant's categorical imperative commands acting in a way that could be a universal law. His three formulations emphasize treating people as ends and not means, acting out of duty as autonomous beings who give themselves the moral law.
Situation ethics is a relativist moral theory developed by Joseph Fletcher in 1963 based on the idea that the morality of an action depends on the situation rather than fixed rules. It is inspired by Jesus' message of love (agape) as described in the Bible. Fletcher argued morality should be flexible and consider the outcomes and consequences of actions, placing primary importance on love. Situation ethics evaluates actions based on four working principles: pragmatism, relativism, positivism rooted in Christian love, and personalism putting people before rules. It distinguishes itself from both legalism, which relies on rigid rules, and anti-nomianism, which rejects all moral restraints. While situation ethics emphasizes love and flexibility, critics argue
Situation ethics is a normative ethical theory developed by Joseph Fletcher in the 1960s. It holds that the only intrinsically good thing is love, and that moral decisions should be made based on the situation by considering what decision best displays love. Situation ethics rejects both legalistic ethics, which bases morality on fixed rules, and antinomian ethics, which rejects all rules. Instead, situation ethics allows that established moral rules may be set aside if following love requires a different action. Strengths include flexibility, but weaknesses include the difficulty determining consequences and potential for justifying harmful actions.
Functionalism views crime as inevitable and having some positive functions for society. Durkheim believed crime reinforces social solidarity and norms, as it provokes condemnation that reaffirms shared values. Crime can also drive social change by challenging norms. However, functionalist theories have been criticized for ignoring individual experiences and how crime primarily benefits certain groups. Subsequent theorists like Merton, Cohen, and Cloward and Ohlin incorporated structural factors and examined how blocked opportunities and cultural goals can lead some groups to form deviant subcultures as alternative means to achieve success and status.
1. The document discusses several theories of crime and deviance, including functionalism, strain theory, and subcultural theories.
2. Functionalism argues that crime has positive functions for society by reaffirming social norms, while strain theory proposes that individuals engage in deviant acts when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals through legitimate means.
3. Subcultural theories suggest that some groups develop their own norms and values in opposition to the dominant culture in response to status frustration or a lack of opportunity, which can lead to criminal behavior.
Ethical intuitionism holds that objective moral truths exist independently of human beings and can be discovered through moral intuition. Intuitionism posits that intuitive ability is innate and shared among all moral agents. However, intuition requires a mature mind and may differ depending on factors like culture, so intuitive "truths" are not infallible. Both G.E. Moore and H.A. Prichard were proponents of intuitionism, believing that moral obligations are recognized through intuition rather than defined rationally. While intuitionism allows for objective moral values, it faces challenges in providing proof of intuition and in resolving conflicts between differing intuitions.
Emotivism is a meta-ethical theory that believes objective moral laws do not exist and that moral terms express personal emotional attitudes rather than factual propositions. According to A.J. Ayer, the philosopher who developed emotivism, ethical statements are neither verifiable nor analytic, but are used to express approval or disapproval in order to influence others. Emotivism faces challenges as it does not allow for basic moral principles to be established, renders ethical debate pointless, and means there can be no universal agreement on what actions are right or wrong.
Meta-ethics examines what is meant when we use ethical terms like "good", "bad", "right", and "wrong". It does not tell us how to act, but rather explores the meaning and origin of moral language. The document outlines several meta-ethical theories, including intuitionism (ethical truths are known intuitively), emotivism (moral statements express attitudes), and prescriptivism (morality involves universal principles). It traces the development of meta-ethical thought over time and how different philosophers have approached understanding ethics.
This document summarizes Kantian and deontological ethical systems. It discusses act-deontologists who believe each act requires an individual moral decision based on conscience. Rule-deontologists like Kant believe in universal moral principles or rules. Kant's categorical imperative commands acting in a way that could be a universal law. His three formulations emphasize treating people as ends and not means, acting out of duty as autonomous beings who give themselves the moral law.
This document discusses different theoretical approaches to analyzing literature, including context oriented approaches like new historicism and feminism/gender theory. New historicism views literary texts in the context of historical documents from the same time period. Feminism and gender theory examine how literature addresses questions about women's writing and gender roles. They analyze how gender is a social construct rather than defined by biology alone. The document also notes the difference between interpreting texts and evaluating them through literary criticism and reviews.
Labelling theory argues that acts are not inherently criminal, but become defined as deviant when labeled as such by others in society. For labelling theorists like Becker, a deviant is someone who has successfully been given the label of deviant. Moral entrepreneurs play a role in leading campaigns to change laws in ways that create new groups of outsiders and expand the power of social control agencies. Whether someone is arrested and charged depends on factors like their interactions with these agencies and characteristics like class, gender, and ethnicity. Lemert distinguishes between primary deviance, which involves acts that go unnoticed and unlabeled, and secondary deviance, where the label itself leads to further deviant acts and identity.
Nihilism is a belief that denies all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless. A true nihilist believes in nothing, has no loyalties or purpose beyond destruction. Nihilism comes from the Latin word for "nothing" and was associated with early skeptics and a revolutionary movement in Russia that rejected authority. Prominent figures associated with nihilism include Friedrich Nietzsche, who believed there is no objective truth or structure in the world, and King Solomon, who found life ultimately futile. There are different types of nihilism that deny morality, meaning in life, all knowledge, or even the existence of objects.
Aristotle believed that the chief good for humans is eudaimonia or happiness. He defined this as achieving all goods like health, wealth, knowledge, and friends through a complete lifetime to perfect human nature. Aristotle viewed moral virtue as a mean between extremes of deficiency and excess regarding behavior. He distinguished between intellectual virtue developed through teaching and moral virtue developed through practice of habits over time in accordance with one's nature. Moral virtue involves finding the golden mean between excess and deficiency for each virtue.
Crime and Deviance - Functionalist ApproachRachel Jones
This document summarizes key aspects of functionalist explanations of deviance. It discusses two important functionalist theorists - Emile Durkheim and Robert Merton. It outlines Durkheim's view that crime is a normal and inevitable part of society that can serve functions like strengthening social solidarity. It also discusses Merton's strain theory, which argues that a mismatch between cultural goals and legitimate means to achieve them can result in deviant behavior. The document also notes criticisms of functionalism and outlines alternative approaches like interactionism.
The cognitive interview is a technique for interviewing eyewitnesses that is intended to improve the accuracy and detail of their memories. It involves having witnesses report everything they remember, mentally reinstate the context of the event, change the order of details reported, and change their perspective. Research has found that the cognitive interview improves recall compared to standard interviews and that using multiple techniques is more effective than single techniques. However, many real-world studies of the cognitive interview's effectiveness have limitations since police do not always use the full technique as it is time-consuming.
This lecture summarizes the key differences between rationalism and empiricism. Rationalism holds that reason is the most reliable source of knowledge, while empiricism believes that sense experience is most reliable. Descartes used rationalism by arguing "I think therefore I am" to prove his own existence despite doubting all his senses. However, empiricists like Locke believed we are born with a blank slate and knowledge comes only through senses, not innate ideas. Berkeley took this further by arguing reality is only perceptions and there is no objective matter. The lecture examines debates between these philosophies around the reliability of senses, nature of reality, and what constitutes true knowledge.
1. An action has moral worth only if it is done from a sense of duty and obligation, rather than from a desire for consequences or personal preferences.
2. Deontological ethics judges the morality of an action based on adherence to rules of duty and respect for persons, rather than consideration of an action's outcomes or consequences.
3. Immanuel Kant's deontological theory holds that the sole basis for determining the moral worth of an action is a good will and acting from a sense of duty in accordance with moral laws that any rational person would accept.
This document introduces the concept of labelling theory in criminology. It discusses three key points:
1. Labelling theory argues that deviance is a social construct - certain acts are defined as criminal or deviant due to moral entrepreneurs labelling them as such, not because the acts are inherently harmful.
2. Once labelled, individuals may engage in secondary deviance by adopting the deviant identity ascribed to them through the labelling process. This can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of increased criminal behavior.
3. Labelling and differential enforcement of laws can spark a process of deviance amplification, where attempts to control certain groups end up increasing rather than decreasing deviant acts, due to the
Aristotle believed that virtue, or excellence of character (arete), was the key to human happiness (eudaemonia). He identified two types of virtue - intellectual virtues related to our professions, and moral virtues common to all humans. Moral virtue is developed through habituation starting in childhood. The virtuous mean between two extremes is the balanced, correct course of action. Achieving moral virtue through consistently choosing the mean requires good character, which in turn requires good habits developed over a lifetime.
This chapter discusses Kant and deontological moral theories. It provides an overview of Kant's moral philosophy and the categorical imperative. The categorical imperative states that moral rules and duties must be universal and exceptionless. However, critics argue that this absolutism is problematic. The chapter then discusses Ross's theory of prima facie duties as a potential solution that allows for exceptions when duties conflict. In conclusion, it notes attempts to reconcile deontological and utilitarian approaches to ethics.
This document provides background information on emotivism and discusses the key philosophers and ideas associated with this view. Emotivism is an ethical theory that claims moral judgments are non-cognitive expressions of attitude or preference. It is considered a noncognitivist view. The theory is also known as the "hurrah-boo" theory because moral judgments are seen as expressions of approval or disapproval rather than statements of fact. The document examines the views of philosophers like A.J. Ayer and C.L. Stevenson who were influential in developing emotivism and considers some common criticisms of the view.
Virtue ethics is an approach to ethics which emphasizes the character of the moral agent, rather than rules or consequences, as the key element of ethical thinking.
This document provides an overview of the ethical theory of ethical egoism. It begins by explaining that ethical egoism is a normative theory that judges actions based on self-interest rather than altruism. It notes that ethical egoism focuses on long-term self-interest rather than short-term desires. The document then discusses Max Stirner's conception of ethical egoism, in which he argued that self-interest should be the root of all actions. Finally, the document outlines some of the challenges to ethical egoism, including that it could destroy a sense of community, lead to social injustices, and be seen as a form of bigotry by prioritizing some individuals over others.
Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that evaluates actions based on their consequences, specifically whether they maximize happiness and well-being for the greatest number of people. There are two main types: act utilitarianism assesses individual actions, while rule utilitarianism evaluates actions based on whether they conform to rules that maximize overall well-being. Utilitarianism was developed by philosophers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. While utilitarianism aims to promote well-being, it faces criticisms around how to measure happiness and whether consequences can truly be known, as well as objections regarding justice, integrity, and obligations to future generations.
This document discusses Bertrand Russell's views on philosophy and knowledge. It summarizes that Russell believed we can only be directly acquainted with our sense data, but we use logic and description to infer the existence of physical objects in the world. While idealism argues that only minds and ideas exist, Russell argues for a view of logical simplicity and correspondence between sense data and an external world. We can know things through description and general principles, even if we are not directly acquainted with them.
Here are the answers to your questions:
1. Ethical naturalists would try to define good in terms of natural properties like happiness, pleasure, fulfilling needs/wants.
2. An 'is' refers to a statement of fact about the natural/empirical world that can be observed and verified, e.g. "grass is green".
3. An 'ought' refers to a statement of moral duty or obligation, e.g. "you ought to be kind".
4. Hume thinks we can't jump from an 'is' to an 'ought' because facts about the natural world can't logically determine moral conclusions about what we should or shouldn't do.
5. An
This document provides an overview of rationalism and empiricism. It defines rationalism as the view that reason is the primary source of knowledge, superior to the senses. Rationalists believe we can obtain absolute truths about reality through abstract reasoning alone. Empiricism holds that all knowledge comes from experience. Some key rationalist philosophers discussed are Descartes, who is seen as the original rationalist, and Leibniz, who believed in innate concepts. The document also examines empiricist views, defining their three main claims, including that the only genuine knowledge comes from the senses. It discusses John Locke's views on innate ideas, primary and secondary qualities, and the different types of empirical knowledge. Finally, it summarizes George Berkeley
Situation ethics is a relativist moral theory developed by Joseph Fletcher in 1963 based on the idea that the morality of an action depends on the situation rather than any fixed rules. It is inspired by Jesus' message of love (agape) as described in the Bible. Fletcher argued morality should be flexible rather than legalistic or anti-nomian. Situation ethics considers the outcomes and consequences of actions, placing primary importance on love as the sole intrinsic good. While it aims to avoid conflicts between duties, critics argue it could allow any action and that determining the most loving choice is subjective.
Situation ethics is a relativist moral theory developed by Joseph Fletcher in 1963 based on the idea that the morality of an action depends on the situation rather than any fixed rules. It is inspired by Jesus' message of love (agape) as described in the Bible. Fletcher argued morality should be flexible and consider the outcomes and consequences of actions, placing primary importance on love. Situation ethics evaluates actions based on four working principles: pragmatism, relativism, positivism rooted in Christian love, and personalism putting people before rules. It distinguishes itself from both legalism, which relies on rigid rules, and anti-nomianism, which rejects all moral restraints. While situation ethics emphasizes love and flexibility, critics
This document discusses different theoretical approaches to analyzing literature, including context oriented approaches like new historicism and feminism/gender theory. New historicism views literary texts in the context of historical documents from the same time period. Feminism and gender theory examine how literature addresses questions about women's writing and gender roles. They analyze how gender is a social construct rather than defined by biology alone. The document also notes the difference between interpreting texts and evaluating them through literary criticism and reviews.
Labelling theory argues that acts are not inherently criminal, but become defined as deviant when labeled as such by others in society. For labelling theorists like Becker, a deviant is someone who has successfully been given the label of deviant. Moral entrepreneurs play a role in leading campaigns to change laws in ways that create new groups of outsiders and expand the power of social control agencies. Whether someone is arrested and charged depends on factors like their interactions with these agencies and characteristics like class, gender, and ethnicity. Lemert distinguishes between primary deviance, which involves acts that go unnoticed and unlabeled, and secondary deviance, where the label itself leads to further deviant acts and identity.
Nihilism is a belief that denies all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless. A true nihilist believes in nothing, has no loyalties or purpose beyond destruction. Nihilism comes from the Latin word for "nothing" and was associated with early skeptics and a revolutionary movement in Russia that rejected authority. Prominent figures associated with nihilism include Friedrich Nietzsche, who believed there is no objective truth or structure in the world, and King Solomon, who found life ultimately futile. There are different types of nihilism that deny morality, meaning in life, all knowledge, or even the existence of objects.
Aristotle believed that the chief good for humans is eudaimonia or happiness. He defined this as achieving all goods like health, wealth, knowledge, and friends through a complete lifetime to perfect human nature. Aristotle viewed moral virtue as a mean between extremes of deficiency and excess regarding behavior. He distinguished between intellectual virtue developed through teaching and moral virtue developed through practice of habits over time in accordance with one's nature. Moral virtue involves finding the golden mean between excess and deficiency for each virtue.
Crime and Deviance - Functionalist ApproachRachel Jones
This document summarizes key aspects of functionalist explanations of deviance. It discusses two important functionalist theorists - Emile Durkheim and Robert Merton. It outlines Durkheim's view that crime is a normal and inevitable part of society that can serve functions like strengthening social solidarity. It also discusses Merton's strain theory, which argues that a mismatch between cultural goals and legitimate means to achieve them can result in deviant behavior. The document also notes criticisms of functionalism and outlines alternative approaches like interactionism.
The cognitive interview is a technique for interviewing eyewitnesses that is intended to improve the accuracy and detail of their memories. It involves having witnesses report everything they remember, mentally reinstate the context of the event, change the order of details reported, and change their perspective. Research has found that the cognitive interview improves recall compared to standard interviews and that using multiple techniques is more effective than single techniques. However, many real-world studies of the cognitive interview's effectiveness have limitations since police do not always use the full technique as it is time-consuming.
This lecture summarizes the key differences between rationalism and empiricism. Rationalism holds that reason is the most reliable source of knowledge, while empiricism believes that sense experience is most reliable. Descartes used rationalism by arguing "I think therefore I am" to prove his own existence despite doubting all his senses. However, empiricists like Locke believed we are born with a blank slate and knowledge comes only through senses, not innate ideas. Berkeley took this further by arguing reality is only perceptions and there is no objective matter. The lecture examines debates between these philosophies around the reliability of senses, nature of reality, and what constitutes true knowledge.
1. An action has moral worth only if it is done from a sense of duty and obligation, rather than from a desire for consequences or personal preferences.
2. Deontological ethics judges the morality of an action based on adherence to rules of duty and respect for persons, rather than consideration of an action's outcomes or consequences.
3. Immanuel Kant's deontological theory holds that the sole basis for determining the moral worth of an action is a good will and acting from a sense of duty in accordance with moral laws that any rational person would accept.
This document introduces the concept of labelling theory in criminology. It discusses three key points:
1. Labelling theory argues that deviance is a social construct - certain acts are defined as criminal or deviant due to moral entrepreneurs labelling them as such, not because the acts are inherently harmful.
2. Once labelled, individuals may engage in secondary deviance by adopting the deviant identity ascribed to them through the labelling process. This can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of increased criminal behavior.
3. Labelling and differential enforcement of laws can spark a process of deviance amplification, where attempts to control certain groups end up increasing rather than decreasing deviant acts, due to the
Aristotle believed that virtue, or excellence of character (arete), was the key to human happiness (eudaemonia). He identified two types of virtue - intellectual virtues related to our professions, and moral virtues common to all humans. Moral virtue is developed through habituation starting in childhood. The virtuous mean between two extremes is the balanced, correct course of action. Achieving moral virtue through consistently choosing the mean requires good character, which in turn requires good habits developed over a lifetime.
This chapter discusses Kant and deontological moral theories. It provides an overview of Kant's moral philosophy and the categorical imperative. The categorical imperative states that moral rules and duties must be universal and exceptionless. However, critics argue that this absolutism is problematic. The chapter then discusses Ross's theory of prima facie duties as a potential solution that allows for exceptions when duties conflict. In conclusion, it notes attempts to reconcile deontological and utilitarian approaches to ethics.
This document provides background information on emotivism and discusses the key philosophers and ideas associated with this view. Emotivism is an ethical theory that claims moral judgments are non-cognitive expressions of attitude or preference. It is considered a noncognitivist view. The theory is also known as the "hurrah-boo" theory because moral judgments are seen as expressions of approval or disapproval rather than statements of fact. The document examines the views of philosophers like A.J. Ayer and C.L. Stevenson who were influential in developing emotivism and considers some common criticisms of the view.
Virtue ethics is an approach to ethics which emphasizes the character of the moral agent, rather than rules or consequences, as the key element of ethical thinking.
This document provides an overview of the ethical theory of ethical egoism. It begins by explaining that ethical egoism is a normative theory that judges actions based on self-interest rather than altruism. It notes that ethical egoism focuses on long-term self-interest rather than short-term desires. The document then discusses Max Stirner's conception of ethical egoism, in which he argued that self-interest should be the root of all actions. Finally, the document outlines some of the challenges to ethical egoism, including that it could destroy a sense of community, lead to social injustices, and be seen as a form of bigotry by prioritizing some individuals over others.
Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that evaluates actions based on their consequences, specifically whether they maximize happiness and well-being for the greatest number of people. There are two main types: act utilitarianism assesses individual actions, while rule utilitarianism evaluates actions based on whether they conform to rules that maximize overall well-being. Utilitarianism was developed by philosophers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. While utilitarianism aims to promote well-being, it faces criticisms around how to measure happiness and whether consequences can truly be known, as well as objections regarding justice, integrity, and obligations to future generations.
This document discusses Bertrand Russell's views on philosophy and knowledge. It summarizes that Russell believed we can only be directly acquainted with our sense data, but we use logic and description to infer the existence of physical objects in the world. While idealism argues that only minds and ideas exist, Russell argues for a view of logical simplicity and correspondence between sense data and an external world. We can know things through description and general principles, even if we are not directly acquainted with them.
Here are the answers to your questions:
1. Ethical naturalists would try to define good in terms of natural properties like happiness, pleasure, fulfilling needs/wants.
2. An 'is' refers to a statement of fact about the natural/empirical world that can be observed and verified, e.g. "grass is green".
3. An 'ought' refers to a statement of moral duty or obligation, e.g. "you ought to be kind".
4. Hume thinks we can't jump from an 'is' to an 'ought' because facts about the natural world can't logically determine moral conclusions about what we should or shouldn't do.
5. An
This document provides an overview of rationalism and empiricism. It defines rationalism as the view that reason is the primary source of knowledge, superior to the senses. Rationalists believe we can obtain absolute truths about reality through abstract reasoning alone. Empiricism holds that all knowledge comes from experience. Some key rationalist philosophers discussed are Descartes, who is seen as the original rationalist, and Leibniz, who believed in innate concepts. The document also examines empiricist views, defining their three main claims, including that the only genuine knowledge comes from the senses. It discusses John Locke's views on innate ideas, primary and secondary qualities, and the different types of empirical knowledge. Finally, it summarizes George Berkeley
Situation ethics is a relativist moral theory developed by Joseph Fletcher in 1963 based on the idea that the morality of an action depends on the situation rather than any fixed rules. It is inspired by Jesus' message of love (agape) as described in the Bible. Fletcher argued morality should be flexible rather than legalistic or anti-nomian. Situation ethics considers the outcomes and consequences of actions, placing primary importance on love as the sole intrinsic good. While it aims to avoid conflicts between duties, critics argue it could allow any action and that determining the most loving choice is subjective.
Situation ethics is a relativist moral theory developed by Joseph Fletcher in 1963 based on the idea that the morality of an action depends on the situation rather than any fixed rules. It is inspired by Jesus' message of love (agape) as described in the Bible. Fletcher argued morality should be flexible and consider the outcomes and consequences of actions, placing primary importance on love. Situation ethics evaluates actions based on four working principles: pragmatism, relativism, positivism rooted in Christian love, and personalism putting people before rules. It distinguishes itself from both legalism, which relies on rigid rules, and anti-nomianism, which rejects all moral restraints. While situation ethics emphasizes love and flexibility, critics
Situation ethics is a relativist, consequentialist ethical theory developed by Joseph Fletcher in 1963. It is based on the idea that the morality of an action depends on the situation rather than any fixed rules. Fletcher argued that Jesus taught only "love thy neighbor" without prescribing a specific ethical system. Situation ethics evaluates actions based on whether they promote love and achieve positive outcomes in a given context. It aims to avoid the rigid legalism of rule-based ethics as well as the unrestrained anti-nomianism of having no moral principles. The theory considers the unique circumstances of each moral decision rather than applying universal rules. While it emphasizes Christian love and flexibility, critics argue it could allow any action and that determining the effects of
Here are potential responses from different ethical perspectives:
Legalist: Taking one's own life is against the law and religious teachings. The man should continue treatment and trust in God.
Antinomian: There are no absolute rules. Each person must decide what feels right in their situation based on their values.
Situationist: The most loving choice depends on fully understanding the situation and consequences. Both prolonging life and providing for family could be seen as loving acts. Deeper discussion is needed to determine what maximizes well-being for all.
Overall, there are good-faith arguments on both sides of this complex issue, and reasonable people can disagree.
This document provides an overview of situation ethics, a moral theory developed by Joseph Fletcher in the 1960s. It states that the morality of an action depends on the situation rather than on following fixed rules. The document discusses key aspects of situation ethics such as the emphasis on agape love and making decisions based on what best serves love in a given situation. It also outlines some of the strengths and weaknesses of this approach, such as its flexibility but also the risk it could be used to justify harmful actions. Overall, the document serves as an introduction to the theory of situation ethics and its main ideas.
Utilitarianism is a teleological ethical theory that evaluates actions based on their consequences. There are three main types: act, rule, and preference utilitarianism. Act utilitarianism evaluates individual actions based on their consequences, while rule utilitarianism evaluates actions based on whether they conform to rules that maximize well-being. Preference utilitarianism, associated with Peter Singer, bases morality on furthering individuals' interests and preferences rather than happiness. Utilitarianism faces criticisms such as the naturalistic fallacy and the inability to accurately quantify and compare pleasures. Rule utilitarianism avoids some issues with act utilitarianism such as the inability to trust those who only follow rules situationally.
Utilitarianism is a teleological ethical theory that evaluates actions based on their consequences. There are three main types: act, rule, and preference utilitarianism. Act utilitarianism judges each act independently based on its consequences, while rule utilitarianism evaluates actions based on general rules that maximize well-being. Preference utilitarianism focuses on fulfilling individual preferences and interests rather than maximizing happiness. Utilitarianism faces criticisms such as the naturalistic fallacy and the inability to accurately quantify and compare pleasures. Rule utilitarianism is argued to be more practical than act utilitarianism as it provides stability of rules and obligations in society.
The document provides an overview and analysis of several classical ethical theories:
- Moral absolutism claims there are absolute ethical standards applicable to all, but it can condone fundamentalism.
- Moral relativism holds that morality depends on individuals and societies, making universal principles impossible.
- Consequentialism judges acts based on their outcomes and consequences rather than motives. It is difficult to foresee all consequences.
- Deontology focuses on duties and obligations over outcomes. Kant's categorical imperatives provide rules for determining duties.
The document examines each theory's strengths and limitations in determining ethical standards and guiding human behavior.
Ethical Theory PaperElijah KimWhat is the meaning of being a hBetseyCalderon89
Ethical Theory Paper
Elijah Kim
What is the meaning of being a human? What is the meaning of being a good person? What is good? And why do we have to be good? The word ethic carries many implications and foundations. In Christianity, God creates this universe, earth, and man/woman in "his" image. However, the Human is not God and made many ethical mistakes that ask God for forgiveness. "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things." (Romans 2:1). No human being is innocent in front of God and not allow to judge each other. The ethical theory sets the foundation for a "right human being" and has numerous ways to break down.
Ethical theory "is the systematic effort to understand moral concepts and justify moral principles and theories" (Fieser 2017), which means the study of Right Action. This "Right Action" can be divide into three different divisions. Metaethics can be defined as a God's view. For many religious believers and religious cultures, the Metaethics can be easily found. However, people who do not believe in a higher power or bird view have a problem with divine command metaethics (Morriston 2009). In the Metaethics view, moral obligations are taught and fixed by religious belief. For the non-religious believers there Metaethics can be set by the Karma they heard of or the own belief system. Just because of believing in religious belief and Karma, Metaethics do not take the basics from realism or antirealism. Instead, it contains the focused theories (Davis 2021).
Moral Realism in Metaethics asses the meaning of the moral. Moral realism is the position of right and wrong in a variety of situations. Religions like Christianity made committed to moral realism for three different reasons. First, "constructivists tend to attribute moral facts to agents as their origin" (Jung 2015). In Christianity bible has the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. These Ten Commandments are the fundamental moral value of Christian belief and set the standard. Commandments like "Thou shalt not commit adultery" and "Thou shalt not kill" are the well-known rule as a "basic human being." Like the last sentence, the bible has a clear example of do's and don'ts, right/ wrong.
The bible also advised what evil (bad) can affect the person "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners" (1 Corinthians 15:33). Many religious people believe in God's purpose. An example of Christianity, Genesis advised, Human were made to glorify God and his creation. Adam and Eve were also created to manage God's creation. "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). The explicit purpose gave men and women a clear vision of life and motivated them to stay in God's ...
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This document discusses different approaches to Christian ethics in a postmodern world. It analyzes cultural relativism, situation ethics, and behaviorism as inadequate options before arguing that ethical absolutes grounded in biblical authority provide the best framework. The document also examines four models of how Christians should relate to culture: the separational model, identificational model, transformational model, and incarnational model. It concludes that the incarnational model, exemplified by Jesus, offers the best synthesis by living in the world but not being of it to transform culture from within through adherence to biblical principles.
Natural law _situation_and_virtue_ethics (2)t0nywilliams
The document provides an overview and comparison of three ethical frameworks: natural law, virtue ethics, and situation ethics. It discusses the perspectives of philosophers like Cicero, Aquinas, and Aristotle in developing natural law and virtue ethics. For situation ethics, it outlines the perspective of Joseph Fletcher who argued that love should be the single principle to judge situations rather than absolute rules. The document then provides potential pros and cons of each approach and asks the reader to apply them to the ethical issue of abortion.
This document provides an overview of several major moral theories: consequentialism, which assesses acts based on their consequences; moral subjectivism, where right and wrong are determined by personal feelings; deontology, which judges acts based on adherence to rules or duties; and virtue ethics, which focuses on having good moral character. It defines key aspects of each view like the two principles of consequentialism, the different types of moral subjectivism, and the three main elements of virtue ethics being eudaimonism, ethics of care, and moral relativism. Utilitarianism is presented as a version of consequentialism aiming to maximize happiness.
This document provides an overview of several major ethical theories - egoism, utilitarianism, deontology - as well as ethics from religious perspectives of Islam, Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism.
It defines egoism as the view that an action is morally right if it pursues one's own desires or interests. Utilitarianism is consequentialist and holds that an action is right if it produces the greatest good for the greatest number. Deontology argues that acts are inherently right or wrong regardless of consequences, based on duties and rules.
The document also outlines the key principles and concepts in Islamic, Buddhist, Christian and Hindu ethics, such as the Five Pillars of Islam, Four Noble Truths
Bioethics examines major ethical theories that can provide principles for making moral decisions in medical contexts. These include utilitarianism, deontology, Rawls' theory of justice, natural law ethics, virtue ethics, and care ethics. Utilitarianism evaluates actions based on their consequences and producing the greatest good. Deontology focuses on duties and rules. Rawls combines aspects of utilitarianism and deontology. Natural law ethics and virtue ethics determine rightness based on human nature and character respectively. Care ethics prioritizes caring relationships in decision making. The document then provides examples of applying some of these theories to specific medical cases and dilemmas in bioethics.
Ethics are important in business, politics, and medicine because they help guide decision-making in complex situations and ensure decisions are made in a way that considers impacts on all stakeholders.
Ethics are important in business, politics, and medicine because they help guide decision-making in complex situations and ensure decisions are made in a way that considers impacts on all stakeholders.
This document discusses how Christians approach moral decision making. It explains that Christians believe morality comes from God, and see their conscience as God's voice guiding them to do good. The Bible and teachings of the Church provide important guidance for moral issues, but some Christians also believe in situation ethics, where decisions are made based on the specific situation to achieve the greatest love and good. Overall, Christians draw on multiple sources like conscience, Bible, and situation context to determine the morally right choice in a way that honors God.
This document discusses how Christians approach moral decision making. It explains that Christians believe morality comes from God, and see their conscience as God's voice guiding them to do good. The Bible and teachings of the Church provide important guidance for moral issues, but some Christians also believe in situation ethics, where decisions are made based on the specific situation to achieve the greatest love and good. Overall, Christians draw on multiple sources like conscience, Bible, and situation context to determine the morally right choice in a way that honors God.
Situation ethics is an ethical theory developed by Joseph Fletcher that argues the only absolute principle is love. It rejects legalism and rule-based ethics, instead advocating determining the morally right action based on the circumstances of each situation by prioritizing love and compassion over adherence to rules or laws. The theory aims to bring Christians back to moral decision-making without the legalism of religion, positioning itself between legalism and antinomianism.
Similar to AS level Religious Studies Situation ethics revision booklet (20)
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Odoo provides an option for creating a module by using a single line command. By using this command the user can make a whole structure of a module. It is very easy for a beginner to make a module. There is no need to make each file manually. This slide will show how to create a module using the scaffold method.
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2. What is Situation Ethics?
Situation Ethics is the method of ethical decision
making that states that you must consider
“noble love” (agape) in decision making, and
that a moral decision is correct if it is the most
loving thing to do.
4. The Theory of Situation Ethics
Fletcher maintains that there are essentially
three different ways of making moral
decisions.
1.Legalistic ethics
2.Antinomian ethics
3.Situation ethics
5. Legalistic Ethics
• Has a set of moral rules and regulations.
• Judaism and Christianity legalistic ethical
traditions.
• problems – life too complex require
additional laws. Murder, killing in self
defence, killing in war, killing unborn
human beings etc.
6. Antinomian ethics
• This is the reverse of legalistic ethics
• It means against the law.
• A person who uses this doesn’t have an ethical system
at all.
• They enter each moral decision as if it were unique.
• Making a moral decision is a matter of impulse
• Fletcher criticises the antinomian approach because it
is unprincipled.
8. Situationist
• Situations ethics is in the middle.
• This indicates that Fletcher appreciates the
usefulness of both legalism and
antinomianism in ethical decision making but
thinks that they are extremes.
SituationismSituationism antinomianismantinomianismlegalismlegalism
9. based on 1 principle only – to do the most loving
thing - and so it is relevant to everyone,
everywhere and in any set of circumstances.
It also means that nothing is always right or
always wrong – it is situational so what may
be right in one situation, may be immoral in
another situation.
10. But what is love??
No just any kind of love
unconditional and the sort from one human to another.
It is not based on romance, sexual attraction or any
relationship at all. It can be from one stranger to
another, as well as between people who know each
other.
It is the love that Jesus and St Paul talked about in the
Bible - AGAPE
11. The Result
• To many people this was a really popular and
interesting idea.
• To religious people it was an abomination and
flew in the face of what the Church stood for
12. SITUATION ETHICS
• Situation ethics is sensitive to variety and complexity in
the individual situation.
• In order to ensure a person enacting conscience
chooses the correct decision Fletcher envisioned
principles to illuminate the situation but not direct
action
• Fletcher divides his principles into two categories.
• The six fundamental principles
• The four presumptions (or four working principles)
13. Fletcher and the 4 working principles
Fletcher came up with the 4 Working Principles
in order to help people understand how
situation ethics works and why it is a good idea.
14. Situation ethics is good as it is always
what works for the best.
No matter what the situation, going
with what is the most loving thing
can only lead to more good than bad
Love is the only thing that is relevant to
all situations unlike laws which work for
some things but not others. Situation
Ethics uses 1 principle so is easy to
remember
15. Love is the most important principle
of all and freely chosen. Situation
Ethics recognises that love is the
most important thing when making a
moral choice and echoes the
opinions of the Bible
Situation Ethics puts human beings and
their concerns are at the centre of
morality unlike laws and rules which
often seem to be unfavourable to a
person’s wellbeing. This follows Jesus’
example “man was not made for the
Sabbath” Jesus put love in front if laws
16. 6 Fundamental Principles of Christian love
spell out what agape relate closely to Biblical
teaching on what Christian love should be.
17. The 6
Fundamental
Principles
1. Love only is always good
Actions are only good if they
help humans (showing love
for one another) and they are
bad if they hurt people.
2. Love is the only norm
Jesus and St Paul replaced the Torah with
the principle of love, in the past Christians
have broken the 10 Commandments in
order to do the right thing e.g. Bonhoeffer
tried to kill Hitler
3. Love and justice are
the same, and love is
justice distributed
Love and justice can not
be separated.
4. Love wills the neighbour's
good, whether we like him or
not.
Your neighbour is anybody and
agape love goes out to everyone
5. Love is the only means
When weighing up a situation, one must
consider what you want the outcome to be
and what you need to do to get there.
Fletcher said the end must be the most
loving thing
6. Love decides there
and then
Whether something is
right or wrong depends
on the situation and can’t
be pre-determined
18. So where did the idea of situation ethics
come from?
The basic idea was concerned with Christian ethics
based on the teachings of Jesus and the bible.
Arguments Jesus had about the love over law was
expressed in the bible
19. Examples of love over law
Jesus commented on the divorce law – He said that the
divorce law had been given as a response to man’s
“sinful nature” but now people had evolved and should
not need to be told what to do now.
The adulterous woman - Jesus prevents a woman being
stoned even though the law allowed her to be. This is
evidence of personalism too
20. characteristics/principles on which Situation Ethics is
based:
• It is an attempt to link Christianity with new morality
for ‘man come of age’
• It focus’ on Jesus’ dialogue
• It is the rejection of absolute rules as it solves moral
dilemmas situationally and circumstantially
• It focus’ on positivism and personalism
22. the situationist approach
1. The situation is an important factor in moral
decision-making and influences whether the
rule should be set aside.
2. Reason is to be the instrument of moral
judgements
3. Moral decisions are hypothetical
4. The deciding factor is love
23. The situation
• The situation is an important factor in moral decision-making
and influences whether the rule should be set aside.
• Situations are important because they are all unique. No
matter what situation you are in no two situations are exactly
the same.
• Therefore a rule cannot apply to all situations.
• Each person approaches the situation with an understanding
of a set of rules. However situation ethics says that it is not
necessary that they follow them.
• In each situation you make a judgement based on the
foreseen consequences.
• EXAMPLE?
24. The situation
• In each situation you are assessing the
consequences.
• If the consequences of the rule produce the most
‘love’ you follow the rule.
• If the consequences require the rule be set aside
to produce the most ‘love’ you set aside the rule
and act according to what you think will produce
the most love.
• This is a teleological judgement because it is
based on consequences not action
25. Hypothetical judgements
• Situations believe that moral decisions are
hypothetical
• This means that they are dependent on some
other issue being so in order to be true.
• For example the statement “charity is good” is
not enough. It requires the additional ‘if’.
• It becomes “charity is good if... It produces the
most love.”
26. love
• The deciding factor is love or agape.
• You must seek to maximise the most love in
any situation.
• This is not romantic love or erotic love.
• It is a selfless love a Self sacrificing love with
benefits others before it benefits you.
28. Flexible and practical
• It considers the situation and consequences e.g. a
pregnancy as a result of rape.
• Natural law is inflexible.
• it therefore gives it a dynamism that can free up
deadlocked moral dilemmas.
• You simply step away from the law.
• Embryo research, genetic engineering, environmental
issues
29. Follows the teachings of jesus
• It’s only absolute principle is agape love.
• This is a core belief of Jesus
• he did not judge prostitutes or outcasts
• He broke the Sabbath rules and put people first.
• He healed people who needed healing and fed the poor.
• Even in death he put himself before others through the
crucifixion.
• Examples?
30. Whole situation
• It considers the whole situation and whilst respecting
the laws is prepared to set them aside if agape love
requires.
• Stealing is okay to save a family from starving.
• the individual situation is what matters not the
overriding law.
• Example?
31. Forward looking
• It was described by Bishop Robinson as an ‘ethic for man
coming of age’
• which means we can be trusted to assess dilemmas and
come to our decisions using Agape rather than following
rules blindly.
• It is an ethic for the new culture of humanity where
everyone is equal.
• Is this Idealistic?
33. Christianity and situation ethics
• As a priest, Joseph Fletcher claimed situational
ethics to be a true set of Christian morals that
tie in with Biblical teaching.
• However, not all people agree with him on
this, so he presented some passages of
relevant biblical scripture, and left it up to the
reader as to whether the teachings of
situational ethics are Biblical or not
34. Why some Christians use situation ethics
as a guide for making moral decisions
• Jesus seemed to follow situation ethics because he over-ruled what the
Old Testament said when he thought it was unloving. For example, he
healed people on the Sabbath because he said it was more important to
do good than to obey the Sabbath laws.
• They think Christians should only do what will produce good results such
as stealing the nuclear weapons and allowing the 12 year old to have an
abortion.
• Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and love your
neighbour, meaning Christians should always do what will have the most
loving results.
• They believe that Christianity is a religion of love and so Christians should
make their moral decisions based on love not laws.
35. Why some Christians think situation ethics
is wrong
• They believe the Bible is God's word to Christians about how to live, so it should be
the basis for moral decision-making.
• They believe they should follow the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the
Mount rather than relying on their own ideas.
• They think the Church knows better what Christians should do than an individual
Christian.
• They claim you can never be sure what the consequences might be. They use
examples such as a doctor in a remote who has one unit of blood to save the lives
of two people (an old alcoholic and a young mother). Following situation ethics he
would use it for the mother, but actually the mother was a child abuser and the
old man was about to discover a cure for cancer. So the doctor would have been
better to follow the Christian teaching and given them half each.
• Traditional Christians would believe in the rules of the old testament and would
not take into account the circumstances
36. Roman Catholic Church Criticism
• Traditional
• closely follow the instructions of the Bible
Pope banned Situation Ethics from being discussed. called
situation ethics
‘an individualistic and subjective appeal to the concrete
circumstances of actions to justify decisions in opposition to
the natural law or God’s revealed will’.
So in other words he said that it was wrong to break God’s laws
37. Pope
Situation ethics is subjective because decisions are made from
within the situation as it is perceived to be.
Situation ethics could prove unworkable because it isn’t easy to
determine all the consequences of an action.
Situation ethics seems to be prepared to accept any action at all
if
it fits the required criteria.
What is believed to be a loving end by some could justify actions
that many people would regard as wrong.
38. Another Christian criticism
9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not
steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be,
are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbour as yourself.”
Love does no harm to its neighbour.
Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.”
people do need to follow God’s laws in order to follow Jesus’ teaching on
how agape is spread
39. proportionalism
• This is a fusion of natural law and situation
ethics.
• Created in an attempt to fuse the important
advancements of situation ethics but retain
the traditional interpretations of natural law.
• It is supposed to be a midway between the
two. proportionalismproportionalism Situation
ethics
Situation
ethics
natural
law
natural
law
40. proportionalism
• Situation ethics opposes natural law on several
grounds.
• Natural law states that actions are intrinsically
good/bad according to the law of nature.
• Situation – whatever produced the most
happiness.
• Natural law deontological
• Situation teleological
41. proportionalism
• Bernard Hoose modifies both theories.
• He comes up with the maxim
• “It is never right to go against a principle unless there is a
proportionate reason which would justify it.”
• This means that it helps deal with controversial ethical
reasons but allows the rules to take priority.
• This was thought to overcome many of the issues facing
situation ethics.
• Example- having an abortion if the baby would not survive
in the womb
42. proportionalism
• It is not a new idea
• It can be found in Aquinas creation of the Just
war principles which makes it possible for a
church that opposes killing to justify war in
particular circumstances.
• It other words the basic rule of ‘do not kill’
usually applies, but there are certain
proportionate circumstances when it can be right
to overrule the moral principle.
43. issues
• There is no guidance on when you can put aside a
moral law
• It does not help the everyday person as there is
no working definition of proportion
• There is no understanding of how it can produce
a consistent ethical theory.
• It also does not accept the supremacy of Jesus as
Fletcher originally proposed.
• The church still has ultimate authority.
44. review
1. Contextualism
– The church should make the decisions not the individual
based on love
1. No individual enough
2. To much power to the church
2. Proportionalism
– The law stands unless there is a proportional reason to
avoid it.
1. No clear definition of proportion
2. To much power to the church
45. Overall strengths
1. That it provides a clear alternative to
Christian ethics that is consistent to the Jesus
represented in the Gospels. Some would
argue that it is more in line with Jesus’
teachings than following ALL the rules in the
Bible
2. Situation ethics is flexible and practical. It
takes in to account how complex human life
is and can make tough decisions when, from
a legalistic stance, all actions seem wrong.
3. It is easy to understand: you follow a single
principle
4. You don’t have to follow a conventional rule,
if that goes against your deepest sense of
what love requires.
5. It is based on love, which, rationally as well as
emotionally, is a key feature of all moral
systems.
6. It takes circumstances into account
Overall weaknesses
1. It is subjective – we don’t always have the fact
to make a sound decision
2. It is individualistic – what is the most loving
thing to one, is not to another
3. It is prepared to accept any actions as long as
the outcome is supposed to be loving
4. It is inconsistent with some teachings in the
Bible
5. How often do we face extreme cases where it is
obvious what the most loving thing is? People
need to be practical and Fletcher’s illustrations
aren’t relevant for most people
6. People need laws and rules to spell out
behaviour in order to keep us all safe and
singing from the same song sheet
7. People would mean to do the most loving thing
but our personal preferences and wants will
always get in the way
46. Application
1. What options are available in this situation?
2. Which of these options gives most consideration to
the people in the situation?
3. Pragmatically, how likely is each option to succeed?
4. Regardless of moral laws, how loving (in an
unconditional agape sense) will the outcome or
consequences be?
5. To what extent does each option seem to reflect a
love that supports the whole community – just love?