Criticisms of Situation Ethics

Not everyone was happy with the theory of Situation Ethics, and over the years it has been subjected to many criticisms. We can examine some of them.

The popularity of Situation Ethics

In many ways, the theory of Situation Ethics reflected the times in which it was developed.
- Within the counter-culture of the 60s two ideas stood out: ‘love not war’ and individualism.
This theory appealed because it took account of both.
- It was based on love and allows individuals to make their own choices.

The Catholic Church

The Catholic Church was quick to condemn the theory, which was so at odds with Natural Law ethics.
- It opposed the idea that one person’s subjective judgement should override the revealed will of God.

Subjectivity

Other people, not necessarily religious, also thought the theory too subjective.
- Subjective here means the decision is based on how it seems to a single individual or a small group.
But people and groups will often disagree.
- And the risk is that Situation Ethics creates a free-for-all.
- This is a world with no fixed values, just everyone doing what they think is best.
- It could lead to moral chaos.

More Criticisms of Situation Ethics

There are numerous different ways that people have continued to criticise Situation Ethics.

Consequence-based theory

Situation Ethics is a teleological, or consequence-based theory.
- This means that the morality of an action depends on the endpoint, the outcome.
But many critics have argued that it is very hard to judge outcomes.
- How do we know how our choices and actions will turn out?
- A decision made out of love could end up leading to unnecessary suffering.

The slippery slope argument

A common objection is the slippery slope argument.
- Situation Ethics allows controversial topics, like Euthanasia.
- The slippery slope argument says that this will lead to people giving all kinds of similar justifications.
- And effectively, Euthanasia becomes normal.

Societal structure

It has been argued that rules are what bind a society together.
- One thinker has likened society to a cobweb. A cobweb is incredibly strong as long as all the stands hold together.
- But once a strand is broken it is prone to collapse.
Moral rules may be like that cobweb, they say.
- They give a society its identity, but if the rules are weakened, then the society will collapse.

1Year 7

1.1Origins of Abrahamic Faith

1.2Judaism

1.3Christianity

1.3.1The Nativity

1.3.2Christian Beliefs about the Baby Jesus

1.3.3Jesus' Ministry

1.3.4The Sermon on the Mount

1.3.5The Crucifixion

1.3.6The Last Supper

1.3.7The Resurrection

1.3.8Christian Beliefs about the Resurrection

1.3.9The Council of Nicaea

1.3.10The Nicene Creed

1.3.11Saint Augustine

1.3.12Protestantism

1.3.13The Reformation

1.3.14Christianity Today

1.3.15Evangelical Churches

1.3.16The Future of Christianity

1.4Buddhism

1.4.1Religion in India

1.4.2The Caste System

1.4.3Meditation

1.4.4Caste & Religion

1.4.5Puja

1.4.6Karma & the Cycle of Rebirth

1.4.7The Four Noble Truths

1.4.8The Three Marks of Existence

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1.4.10How do Buddhists Live?

1.4.11The Four Sights

1.4.12The Buddha

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2Year 8

2.1Islam

2.1.1Pre-Islamic Arabia

2.1.2The Prophet Muhammad & The Qur'an

2.1.3The Hijrah & The Conquest of Mecca

2.1.4The Prophet Muhammad: The Final Sermon

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2.1.10Jihad

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2.2.1The Prehistoric Roots of Hinduism

2.2.2Key Ideas in Hinduism

2.2.3The Caste System

2.2.4The Vedic Period

2.2.5The Upanishads

2.2.6Alexander the Great & The Mauryan Empire

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2.3.4Challenging the Bible

2.3.5The Enlightenment

2.3.6Evolution

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2.3.10Frederick Nietzsche - How to Live Without Religion

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2.4.8The Problem of Evil

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3Year 9

3.1Life & Death

3.1.1What is the Right Thing To Do?

3.1.2Thomas Aquinas - Natural Law

3.1.3Building a Moral Code

3.1.4Criticisms of Natural Law

3.1.5Joseph Fletcher - Situation Ethics

3.1.6Understanding Situation Ethics

3.1.7Criticisms of Situation Ethics

3.1.8Sanctity of Life

3.1.9Quality of Life

3.1.10Abortion

3.1.11Moral Questions About Abortion

3.1.12Euthanasia

3.1.13Moral Questions About Euthanasia

3.1.14Capital Punishment

3.1.15Arguments Against Captial Punishment

3.1.16Animal Rights

3.1.17Alternative Views on Animal Rights

3.2Extremism

3.2.1What Does Extremism Mean?

3.2.2Extremism Explained

3.2.3Why do People Become Extremists?

3.2.4What are Conspiracy Theories?

3.2.5Why do People Believe Conspiracy Theories?

3.2.6What is Anti-Semitism?

3.2.7Anti-Semitic Stereotyping

3.2.8The Holocaust

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3.2.10Religious Fundamentalism

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3.2.16Free Speech

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3.2.18How do we Fight Extremism?

3.3Equality

3.3.1Introduction to Equality

3.3.2Is the UK an Equal Society?

3.3.3Religion and Equality

3.3.4Interpreting the Scripture

3.3.5Racism and Scripture

3.3.6Scripture Against Racism

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3.3.8Gender Equality and Scripture

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