3C - Situation Ethics: Application of the Theory

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

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⇨ He argued that human laws/attitudes to homosexuality were outdated, inconsistent, and unjust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