Relativistic Theory of Ethics Essay Example for Free

Relativistic Theory of Ethics EssayOne relativistic theory of moral philosophy is spatial relationism. Situationism (also known as situation ethics) was devised by Joseph Fletcher, who was strongly against absolutist theories for instance legalism and also disliked how religions were taught implying there were some reigns that could never be broken, as he thought these rules be too demanding and restrictive. He so created this theory of situation ethics which is seen as the mid way because it lies between antinomianism and legalism. Antinomianism is really anti legal philosophy whilst legalism emphasises the important of law. However, situationism lies between the two as Fletcher was very enthused by making a decision on individual situations. Situation ethics maintains that its the consequences of actions which determine whether an action is right or handle, so it is very much a consequentialist position. Situationists enter all(prenominal) decision making situation wi th ethical maxims of their community and culture, each they treat with respect. Fletcher proposed that not and the situation guides an individual on what they should do nevertheless also the prescript of agape (love).In Fletchers book he suggests that Christians should make the right choices without blindly following rules but rather by thinking for themselves. Decisions should be made on the sole basis of one rule agape. Such love involves doing the best thing possible for the other party involved. So maxims could be ignore if they dont serve agape, for example if a priest is presented by a young noblewoman who is having underage promiscuous sex, the right thing to do would be to insist the young lady uses contraception.This is because the approximately loving thing to do for the other person is to ensure she is safe. For the situationist the rule of agape is always right. Fletcher created 4 working principles which outlined how situation ethics works. The first one is pragm atism, which states that what you propose must work in practice. Second is relativism, so Fletcher eliminates words like always, never, and absolute. He states there are no objective rules but all decisions must be sexual intercourse to agape. Thirdly is positivism, which states a determine judgement needs to be made, giving the first place to love. in conclusion personalism, people are ascribe in first place morality is personal and not centred on laws, this emphasises the idea that morality is relative to situations. Fletcher put forward 6 marriage offers which also aid the theory. The first proposition is only one thing is intrinsically redeeming(prenominal) namely love nothing else at all Thus, only love is cracking in itself action arent intrinsically good or evil. Instead they are good or evil dependent on whether they promote the most loving result.Fletcher rejects any statements like Adultery is wrong as the circumstances are always different, and sometimes it may be right for adultery to live with place. The second proposition is the ruling norm of Christian decision is love, nothing else Fletcher claims Jesus replaced the Torah with love, also the go Commandments are not absolute even Jesus broke them when love demanded it. hunch replaces law. The third proposition is that justice will follow from love, because justice is love distributed. If love is put into practice it can only result in justice.Fourth is that love has no favourites and does not give whom we like preferential treatment. Love wills the neighbours whether we like him or not The fifth fundamental principle, love must be the final end, not a means to an end. For Fletcher, the end must be the most loving result. Finally the sixth proposition is that the most loving thing to do will depend on the situation and since situations differ, you cant say an action will be right in every situation. Fletcher, the good result is that which serves agape love best. Any action that leads to that end is right.