10 Positive and Negative Points on Situation Ethics

The Positive points which promote Situation Ethics:

1. It allows people to chose the least bad action, where from a legalist view, all actions seem wrong.

2. Situation ethics is flexible/practical and can take into account the complexities of
   human life.

3. It allows people to follow their already existing cultural traditions and beliefs.

4. It is tailored to each unique situation and moral decisions are treated on a case-by-case basis.

The Negative side:

1. As a teleological theory there is no sure way of knowing what the end result will be.
   Example: You are sure that torturing someone who is believed to be a terrorist will lead to them telling information which will save hundreds of live, however this person is proved to be innocent after the torture.

2. Read more in Philosophy

   « Structuralism

   Nietzsche on Death of God »

   Decisions are made by an individual within the situation as it’s perceived to be. Therefore what may have seem to have been the most loving action by the individual may not necessary be overall, due factors they had not taken into account.

3. People have selfish human tendency’s and are not necessary going to follow ‘agape’ love. A parent when faced with the chance to save just one person from a burning bus, will more likely save their own child, than a complete stranger.

4. Situation ethics is supposedly based upon the bible, yet it contradicts that. It allows for the breaking of the ten commandments as the right thing to do and goes away from the churches purpose in which to offer guidance by allowing people free control.

5. Situation ethics can lead to crossing boundary lines that are dangerous to cross. Say if cloning of certain people would be allowed, what would be limiting everyone from getting cloned freely.

6. It’s not clear on what love is, as it is pretty vague and can be interpreted in many different ways.