Introduction to Situation Ethics
Joseph Fletcher introduced his teleological ethical theory of Situation Ethics on the spirit of agapé love from the New Testament. This refers to a selfless, caring, universal love directed towards all people, including enemies. Therefore, the moral thing to do in any situation is to do whatever is closest to Jesus’ teachings of agapé love. Situation Ethics does not have any strict rules as to how it must work, but the fundamental concept in this theory is to consider the situation then act in the spirit of agapé love.
Skilled Veterans Corps: Suicide VS Heroism
Situation Ethics is closely linked to Christianity, because it teaches one to act in a way that shows the most agapé love. The fact that the ‘Skilled Veterans Corps’ are giving up their lives for the good of others shows selflessness, and more importantly, agapé love. The elderly are trying to protect the livelihoods of future generations by volunteering to clean up the nuclear plant themselves. The ‘Skilled Veterans Corps’ are showing the spirit of agapé love in every way, as their actions are all motivated by this idea of showing love to everyone. Therefore, a situation ethicist would say that these elderly Japanese people are showing heroism as they are suffering to save the people they universally love.
Joseph Fletcher introduced his teleological ethical theory of Situation Ethics on the spirit of agapé love from the New Testament. This refers to a selfless, caring, universal love directed towards all people, including enemies. Therefore, the moral thing to do in any situation is to do whatever is closest to Jesus’ teachings of agapé love. Situation Ethics does not have any strict rules as to how it must work, but the fundamental concept in this theory is to consider the situation then act in the spirit of agapé love.
Skilled Veterans Corps: Suicide VS Heroism
Situation Ethics is closely linked to Christianity, because it teaches one to act in a way that shows the most agapé love. The fact that the ‘Skilled Veterans Corps’ are giving up their lives for the good of others shows selflessness, and more importantly, agapé love. The elderly are trying to protect the livelihoods of future generations by volunteering to clean up the nuclear plant themselves. The ‘Skilled Veterans Corps’ are showing the spirit of agapé love in every way, as their actions are all motivated by this idea of showing love to everyone. Therefore, a situation ethicist would say that these elderly Japanese people are showing heroism as they are suffering to save the people they universally love.