A4 tto Ethics Lesson 2

• Godsdienst
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 4

Situation ethics

A4tto

2025-2026

Lesson 2

Logical caroussel (QAREPR)

1. Ask a Question: closed question connected to philosophical content
2. Answer the question
3. Give a Reason that fits the combination of the question asked and the answer given.
4. Give an Example that illustrates the stated reason, as well as makes this reason (more) concrete. 
5. Give a Critical note
6. Give a Reflection about the whole conversation:

     - Do you think differently now?

     - What was striking?

     - Did your attitude change concerning the subject that has been discussed?

What is the difference between normative ethics and applied ethics?

Are ethics and morality the same?

What is the difference between Absolutism and Relativism?

Homework

Any questions regarding homework?

Lesson objectives

You will...

• understand the key ideas of Fletcher's situation ethics
• investigate the strengths and weaknesses of situation ethics and draw conclusions about its helpfulness in terms of moral decision making
• learn how Fletcher's situation ethics can be applied, and whether basing decisions on agape is an effective approach to ethics

Statement

“The morality of an action depends on the situation”

What would you do?

What would be the most loving thing to do?

What would your conscience say?

Situation ethics

Fletcher divides moral thinking into 3 basic kinds:

1. Legalistic: predefined rules and regulation 
2. Antinomian: the reverse of legalistic
   
3. Situational: how moral an action is depends on the situation
   

Situation ethics

Fletcher: six propositions (page 16-17)

1. Only 1 thing is intrinsically good: love

2. The ruling norm of Christian decision is love

3. Love and justice are the same

4. Love wills the neighbour’s good, whether we like him or not

5. Only the end justifies the means

6. Love’s decisions are made situationally, not prescriptively.

Situation ethics

In groups of 4: Create a poster to illustrate the six propositions and include the following:

- the four working principles (page 16)

- agape love (page 18)

- one of the case studies on page 20

Apply the above on one of the case studies.

Conditions:

• Be creative, be just creative, use keywords, use your markers, draw, design, sketch, use different colours.
  
• Use all space. Your poster has to be an eyecatcher and has to be self explanatory, finish your poster during this lesson
  

Which question do you still have?