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Teleological Ethics

Fletcher's rejection of legalism and antinomianism

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 3

Overview

The two extremes a middle way was designed to avoid, the single principle offered instead, and the biblical warrant claimed for it.

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Key term

Who wrote Situation Ethics, and what are the two approaches he sets his own between?

Numbers

Who was Joseph Fletcher?

Key term

What does Fletcher mean by legalism?

Questions from this subtopic

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  1. 1

    Who was Joseph Fletcher?

    Model answer

    Joseph Fletcher was an American Episcopal theologian who later became an atheist. The book Situation Ethics appeared in 1966.

  2. 2

    What does Fletcher mean by legalism?

    Model answer

    Legalism is the approach that settles every case by applying a fixed rule. Fletcher argues that it produces cruelty when a rule fits a case badly.

  3. 3

    What does Fletcher mean by antinomianism?

    Model answer

    Antinomianism is the approach that recognises no rules or principles at all. Fletcher argues that it leaves an agent with nothing to reason from.

  4. 4

    How does Fletcher describe situation ethics between these two?

    Model answer

    Situation ethics is offered as the middle way between legalism and antinomianism. Principles inform the decision without deciding it in advance.

  5. 5

    What role does Fletcher give to conscience?

    Model answer

    Conscience is a verb rather than a noun for Fletcher, the activity of deciding rather than a faculty consulted. Fletcher denies that any inner voice delivers answers.

  6. 6

    Define agape.

    Model answer

    Agape is selfless, unconditional love that wills the good of the other. Neither feeling nor preference has any part in it.

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