Three Ethical Systems: Similar Yet Unique
Ethics is not a new course of study as philosophers for centuries have sat down to determine the prevailing and appropriate ethical system of the times. There are several different ethical systems identified in the world today; however, a difference in ethical views is not necessarily wrong. Ethical systems are distinct and have different points of emphasis regarding the presence or absence of moral laws. The ethical systems of antinomianism, situationism, and generalism are distinct in their inner workings; however, they ultimately result in an individual determining for oneself the definition of right and wrong. While all three systems have their negative aspects, there are also positive benefits to be found. A determination of the most …show more content…
Each situation, with its corresponding action and decision, is viewed in the terms of love. Basically, in any situation, the right thing to do is determined to be the loving thing to do (Maddox, 2006). Again, this allows the individual much liberty in determining what is an appropriate action as the loving action is individually defined. Additionally, the term, “love,” is not clearly defined and therefore can have differing definitions depending on the individual (Geisler, 2010). Due to this lack of definition, situationism could be perceived as being nothing more than antinomianism (Geisler, 2010). On the positive side, situationism provides for a prescriptive for people to follow; there is one law and it is love. Additionally, the law of love is unbreakable and justifies each and every decision or action (Geisler, 2010). Ethical conflicts are easily resolved as love is always the prevailing law in situationism. Situatonism places emphasis on love and provides for an absolute law, however this ethical system, like antinomianism, is rather subjective and
Ethics is not a new course of study as philosophers for centuries have sat down to determine the prevailing and appropriate ethical system of the times. There are several different ethical systems identified in the world today; however, a difference in ethical views is not necessarily wrong. Ethical systems are distinct and have different points of emphasis regarding the presence or absence of moral laws. The ethical systems of antinomianism, situationism, and generalism are distinct in their inner workings; however, they ultimately result in an individual determining for oneself the definition of right and wrong. While all three systems have their negative aspects, there are also positive benefits to be found. A determination of the most …show more content…
Each situation, with its corresponding action and decision, is viewed in the terms of love. Basically, in any situation, the right thing to do is determined to be the loving thing to do (Maddox, 2006). Again, this allows the individual much liberty in determining what is an appropriate action as the loving action is individually defined. Additionally, the term, “love,” is not clearly defined and therefore can have differing definitions depending on the individual (Geisler, 2010). Due to this lack of definition, situationism could be perceived as being nothing more than antinomianism (Geisler, 2010). On the positive side, situationism provides for a prescriptive for people to follow; there is one law and it is love. Additionally, the law of love is unbreakable and justifies each and every decision or action (Geisler, 2010). Ethical conflicts are easily resolved as love is always the prevailing law in situationism. Situatonism places emphasis on love and provides for an absolute law, however this ethical system, like antinomianism, is rather subjective and