SITUATION ETHICS
SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND CULTURAL INFLUENCES
Situation Ethics was developed in the 1960s and 1970s, a time of great change in values and
behaviour.
Women became members of the workforce following WWII, changing the family structure and
dynamic and encouraging the feminist movement.
The USA’s Vietnam War became unpopular due to the amount of young men uselessly dying. The
destruction and brutality carried out made people feel ashamed of their country’s actions, causing a
feeling of resentment and frustration against the US government and a loss of patriotism.
The shooting of President Kennedy caused huge shock, making people feel unsafe and worried for
the future of their country.
The prominence of MLK and the civil rights movement led to mass protests for equal rights for
blacks. This challenged social attitudes at the time and caused great legal and social changes.
The invention of the contraceptive pill enabled women to control their fertility, meaning that they
could more easily pursue their careers and encouraging casual relationships and premarital sex.
The sexual revolution was a time when attitudes to sexual relationships and sexuality transformed.
Casual relationships became more socially acceptable and sex was seen as an expression of
individualism and freedom.
The introduction of the teenage stage and hippy culture resulted in more liberal and alternative
attitudes to fashion, music, drugs, politics, religion and morality. Young people and students were
able to behave and express themselves in new ways.
CONCEPTS OF AGAPE AND SITUATIONALISM
Robinson’s ethical theory was developed for a ‘man come of age’, recognising the maturity of the
moral agent and their ability to take responsibility for their actions. It is about giving moral agents
the freedom and respect to decide what is right.
He felt that a legalistic approach to ethics was no longer necessary and misunderstood Jesus’
teachings. He argues that instead of following strict moral laws, individuals should show what will
best demonstrate love to others, which is called agape. It should be shown regardless of your
feelings towards a person and is not about developing a relationship but having the right attitude.
Nothing should be expected in return for the actions. Lewis regarded agape as the highest form of
love, an unconditional love.
‘Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself’ – Matthew 22:38
Robinson’s theory is teleological as it is concerned with the outcomes of actions – whether they
result in the demonstration of love. Only situation ethics provided the guarantee that people would
be valued and shown love.
SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND CULTURAL INFLUENCES
Situation Ethics was developed in the 1960s and 1970s, a time of great change in values and
behaviour.
Women became members of the workforce following WWII, changing the family structure and
dynamic and encouraging the feminist movement.
The USA’s Vietnam War became unpopular due to the amount of young men uselessly dying. The
destruction and brutality carried out made people feel ashamed of their country’s actions, causing a
feeling of resentment and frustration against the US government and a loss of patriotism.
The shooting of President Kennedy caused huge shock, making people feel unsafe and worried for
the future of their country.
The prominence of MLK and the civil rights movement led to mass protests for equal rights for
blacks. This challenged social attitudes at the time and caused great legal and social changes.
The invention of the contraceptive pill enabled women to control their fertility, meaning that they
could more easily pursue their careers and encouraging casual relationships and premarital sex.
The sexual revolution was a time when attitudes to sexual relationships and sexuality transformed.
Casual relationships became more socially acceptable and sex was seen as an expression of
individualism and freedom.
The introduction of the teenage stage and hippy culture resulted in more liberal and alternative
attitudes to fashion, music, drugs, politics, religion and morality. Young people and students were
able to behave and express themselves in new ways.
CONCEPTS OF AGAPE AND SITUATIONALISM
Robinson’s ethical theory was developed for a ‘man come of age’, recognising the maturity of the
moral agent and their ability to take responsibility for their actions. It is about giving moral agents
the freedom and respect to decide what is right.
He felt that a legalistic approach to ethics was no longer necessary and misunderstood Jesus’
teachings. He argues that instead of following strict moral laws, individuals should show what will
best demonstrate love to others, which is called agape. It should be shown regardless of your
feelings towards a person and is not about developing a relationship but having the right attitude.
Nothing should be expected in return for the actions. Lewis regarded agape as the highest form of
love, an unconditional love.
‘Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself’ – Matthew 22:38
Robinson’s theory is teleological as it is concerned with the outcomes of actions – whether they
result in the demonstration of love. Only situation ethics provided the guarantee that people would
be valued and shown love.
