Legalism vs. Antinomianism
Two extremes that situation ethics attempts to transcend: legalism rigidly applies absolute rules regardless of circumstances; antinomianism rejects all rules, relying entirely on subjective judgment. Fletcher's situationism occupies a middle position: love is absolute, but applying love requires contextual judgment rather than rule application.
Real World
The Taliban's strict enforcement of Sharia law — flogging for minor infractions regardless of context — exemplifies legalism, while a pure 'follow your gut' approach to ethics mirrors antinomianism.
Exam Focus
Use the contrast structure: define legalism, define antinomianism, then position situationism between them — this signals evaluative sophistication to the examiner.
How well did you know this?