200 word response 1 reference/intext citation
Due 1/24/2025
Amrita
Explain how Utilitarianism works differently than
Social Contract Theory and if Utilitarianism would result in a different conclusion if the administrative agency is acting ethical or not in passing such a new regulation.
Social Contract Theory in Ethics suggests that moral rules and duties arise from rational individuals’ agreements to live cooperatively in society. These rules are designed to ensure fairness, security, and the well-being of all members based on mutual agreements. Ethical principles derive from what individuals agree to in a hypothetical state of nature or through a social contract.
Application of Social Contract Theory to the SNAP Fast Food Expansion:
1.
Stakeholders:
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SNAP recipients: Low-income individuals relying on food assistance.
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Taxpayers: Fund the SNAP program through taxes.
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Health advocates: Concerned about the public health impacts of fast food.
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Fast food companies Could financially benefit from SNAP coverage.
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The general public May face higher health costs due to unhealthy diets.
2.
Social Contract Analysis:
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Rational individuals would agree to policies that protect public health and ensure all well-being, particularly vulnerable populations.
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While expanding SNAP to cover fast food may benefit recipients in the short term, it could encourage unhealthy eating and lead to higher public health costs. This would impose an unfair burden on taxpayers, undermining the fairness of the social contract.
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The goal of SNAP should be to provide nutritious food to support long-term health, not subsidize unhealthy eating habits.
3.
Consequences of Expanding SNAP to Cover Fast Food:
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Health Concerns: Fast food is linked to poor health outcomes like obesity and heart disease.
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Taxpayer Burden: Taxpayers would bear the increased healthcare costs from poor diets.
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Fairness: Expanding SNAP to cover fast food without ensuring healthier food options could be unfair to those relying on government assistance for nutritious food.
Conclusion:
From the perspective of Social Contract Theory, expanding SNAP to cover fast food would not be ethical. A rational social contract would prioritize policies that promote long-term health and fairness. Encouraging fast food consumption would conflict with these goals, leading to higher health risks and unfair burdens on taxpayers. Therefore, the social contract would likely support policies that promote healthier eating, benefiting society.
