One enters into the decision making situation armed with no principles or maxims whatsoever, to say nothing of rules. It finds a guideline in the wisdom of the Church and culture which contains many general rules. But Fletcher hastens to add that in situation ethics the most reverend principles may be thrown aside if they conflict in any concrete case with love. Principles, maxims, are illuminators, not directors. Situationism operates in the situation which is the moment of decision in which the responsible self decides whether the maxims of wisdom serve love or not.
Love is the only intrinsic good, malice the only intrinsic evil.
Hence they may be put aside by love with a clear conscience. Love justifies its means. The end must be good and the means fitting. In making a moral decision we must consider the end, the necessary means, the motive and the consequences. Love and justice are the same.