3C - Situation Ethics: Application of the Theory

What are the two instances that the spec requires you to apply Situation Ethics to?

⇨ Homosexuality
⇨ Polyamorous relationships

Give an introduction to homosexuality.

⇨ Fletcher was writing at a time when homosexuality was illegal

⇨ He argued that human laws/attitudes to homosexuality were outdated, inconsistent, and unjust

⇨ To treat people with prejudice + discrimination on account of sexuality ≠ a proper legal approach

⇨ 1957 Wolfenden report: "It should not be the duty of the law to concern itself with matters of immorality such as homosexuality"

⇨ In 1960, Fletcher wrote a paper entitled, 'Sex offenses: an ethical view'
- Fletcher argued that it was a mistake to let a particular religious / philosophic stance dictate law
- Fletcher's conclusion = propose that sex laws should be restricted by three criteria: the age of consent; infringement of public decency; acts involving assault, violence, duress, or fraud.

Give an introduction to polyamorous relationships.

⇨ Relationships involving two or more people, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved

⇨ Popularity = growing, yet many see it as an abnormal ethical deviation rather than one of alternative acceptable practice

⇨ There is no standard model - no fixed definition

⇨ Many of the great men of the Bible - Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon - had many wives
- But, the Bible never really condones this practice. It simply describes it as part of the lifestyle of a typical ancient Middle-eastern chieftain

Outline the application of situation ethics to homosexuality and polyamorous relationships.

⇨ Ethics should not be driven by an absolutist, legalistic approach; the agapeic (boss) principle = the one constant; this sets Situation Ethics apart from antinomianism

⇨ Homosexual and polyamorous relationships should have the same treatment in Situation Ethics as any other relationship; the agapeic principle decides morality

⇨ "The situationist follows a law or violates it according to love's need"
- Religious laws such as commandment 157 (of 613) suggest that homosexuality = wrong: Leviticus - "You shall not lie with a man as with a woman that is an abomination."
- FP2 = 'Love is the ruling norm' ∴ if loving consequences occur, Leviticus can be ignored
- The boss principle would never say that homosexual / polyamorous relationships are wrong ∵ it is a relativistic ethic ∴ does not believe actions are right / wrong in themselves (FP6, 'love decides situationally')

⇨ Morally good
- If consequences = agape; ignore Leviticus

⇨ Morally bad
- Selfish consequences i.e. a homosexual / polyamorous relationship based on lust, not love; do not ignore Leviticus ∵ love is not best served by breaking the rule

Explain how the first working principle, pragmatism, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

⇨ If the relationship would work practically, then it is good
⇨ However, if not (e.g. if both people were going to different universities) then it is bad

Explain how the second working principle, relativism, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

⇨ No relationship = right/wrong in itself; judged on outcomes

Explain how the third working principle, positivism, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

⇨ God loves us all; all made in his image ∴ acceptable

Explain how the fourth working principle, personalism, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

⇨ Look towards people, not laws

Explain how the first fundamental principle, love = ruling norm relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

⇨ All relationships are good if they promote agape

Explain how the second fundamental principle, love = only good, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

⇨ Do not abide by restrictive laws

Explain how the third fundamental principle, love = justice, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

⇨ All relationships are just if they promote agape

Explain how the fourth fundamental principle, love for all, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

⇨ All relationships are open to the possibility of being morally good

Explain how the fifth fundamental principle, loving ends justify means, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

⇨ Deepening a loving relationship justifies that it is homosexual

Explain how the sixth fundamental principle, love decides situationally, relates to the acceptability of homosexual and polyamorous relationships.

⇨ Each situation = unique

Give a good quote from Fletcher to conclude an essay.

⇨ "Whether any form of sex (hetero, homo, or auto) is good or evil depends on whether love is fully served."