Discussion 1 Applying Ethics Read The Article Titled Seven P

Discussion 1 Applying Ethicsread The Article Titled Seven Prima Faci

Discussion 1: Applying Ethics Read the article titled “Seven Prima Facie Duties”, located at . Select the two (2) duties identified by Ross that you believe are most critical to law enforcement officers and their responsibilities to citizens. Provide the rationale for your choices. After reading the article, compare and contrast at least two (2) of the seven (7) prima facie duties as outlined by Ross with the moral theories of Aristotle and Immanuel Kant. At least 300 words Discussion 2: How Social Security and Medicare Actually Work Based on the scenario and the knowledge gained from this section, address the following: Identify at least two changes that may occur for Social Security and Medicare benefits in the next 20 years. Then, describe key policies that the U.S. government could implement in order to ensure positive changes for Social Security and Medicare benefits based on your prediction. How was Social Security intended to work versus how it currently works? What are some alternatives to Social Security? Has to be at least 300 words IMPORTANT: Be sure and read Prof. Salley's explanation of how Social Security is designed to function, a historical background to Social Security, and the differences between what Social Security is and is not.

Paper For Above instruction

Title: Applying Ethical Principles and Analyzing Social Security and Medicare Policies for Future Improvement

Introduction

Ethical considerations play a crucial role in shaping public policies and professional responsibilities, especially for law enforcement officers who serve as the guardians of societal laws and moral expectations. The principles outlined in Vanderbilt philosopher W.D. Ross’s “Seven Prima Facie Duties” provide a valuable framework for understanding moral obligations. Simultaneously, social welfare programs like Social Security and Medicare are essential components of the American social safety net, underpinning the economic security of millions of citizens. This paper explores two of Ross’s duties deemed most critical for law enforcement, compares and contrasts two duties with Kantian and Aristotelian moral theories, and analyzes potential future changes to Social Security and Medicare, proposing policy adjustments for sustained benefits.

Critical Prima Facie Duties for Law Enforcement

Among Ross’s seven duties—beneficence, fidelity, reparation, justice, gratitude, self-improvement, and non-maleficence—the duties of justice and fidelity stand out as particularly vital for law enforcement officers. Justice demands fair treatment and equitable distribution of resources, aligning with law enforcement’s obligation to uphold fairness, impartiality, and the rule of law. Fidelity emphasizes loyalty and truthfulness, essential qualities for maintaining public trust and integrity in police work. Officers must foster community trust through honest interactions and consistent application of laws.

Choosing these duties, I believe they are most critical because they directly impact citizens’ perception of fairness and trustworthiness of law enforcement. Justice ensures that officers act without bias, protecting citizens’ rights, while fidelity ensures accountability and transparency—integral to ethical policing. When law enforcement embodies these duties, it fosters legitimacy, community cooperation, and reduces misconduct incidents.

Comparison of Ross’s Duties with Kantian and Aristotelian Moral Theories

To compare Ross’s duties with Kantian and Aristotelian ethics, consider the principles of duty and virtue. Kant's moral philosophy is grounded in the categorical imperative, emphasizing actions performed out of duty regardless of consequences, and intrinsic respect for persons. For instance, Kantian ethics stress honesty and treating individuals as ends, aligning strongly with Ross’s duty of fidelity and non-maleficence. Both frameworks prioritize duty-based morality, with Kant emphasizing universalizability and respect for persons as fundamental.

In contrast, Aristotle’s virtue ethics focus on character development and moral virtues that enable individuals to lead a flourishing life (eudaimonia). Virtues such as justice and prudence are cultivated through habitual practice, emphasizing moral excellence over strict adherence to rules. While Ross’s duty of justice echoes Aristotelian virtue of justice, Aristotle’s perspective emphasizes virtues as traits that inspire moral action rather than duties to adhere to specific principles.

Thus, the primary contrast lies in form versus character: Ross’s system constructs duties as prima facie obligations to be balanced contextually, whereas Kant advocates towards duty execution based on moral laws, and Aristotle emphasizes character virtues that naturally guide moral behavior.

Future Changes to Social Security and Medicare

Forecasting two decades into the future, potential changes to Social Security and Medicare benefits are likely driven by demographic shifts, financial sustainability concerns, and political pressures. First, increasing life expectancy and the aging population may strain these programs. Specifically, there could be a gradual increase in the retirement age and modifications to benefit formulas to preserve solvency. Second, healthcare inflation and technological advancements might lead to expanded Medicare coverage or costs, pushing for policy reforms that address funding challenges.

To proactively address these issues, the U.S. government could implement policies such as gradually raising the payroll tax cap to increase revenue and incentivizing private retirement savings through tax benefits. Additionally, adopting more efficient healthcare delivery systems and incentivizing preventive care could help reduce Medicare costs.

Comparison of Intended and Actual Function of Social Security

Initially, Social Security was designed as a social contract to provide financial stability to retirees and cover the disabled, funded through payroll taxes under the Social Security Act of 1935. It intended to act as a safety net, ensuring basic income after retirement or disability, primarily financed by current workers supporting current retirees. However, over time, demographic changes, reduced fertility rates, and increased longevity have strained the system, leading to projected trust fund exhaustion in the coming decades.

Currently, Social Security functions primarily as a partially funded entitlement program, with ongoing debates about sustainability and benefit adequacy. Some critics argue it has shifted from a safety net to an expectation that may require reforms such as privatization or means-testing. Alternatives like private retirement accounts, 401(k) plans, or individual savings accounts present different models for pension security, but none encompass the universal coverage and risk pooling provided by Social Security.

Conclusion

Ethical principles like justice and fidelity inform law enforcement's duties, fostering community trust and fairness. Comparing Ross's duties with Kantian and Aristotelian ethics highlights the importance of duty, respect, and virtue in moral decision-making. Looking ahead, policy reforms and strategic planning are essential to ensure the longevity and adequacy of Social Security and Medicare. Recognizing their origins and current challenges enables policymakers to craft sustainable solutions, ensuring these programs continue to serve their foundational purpose of protecting Americans' economic security.

References

• Cohen, G. A. (2000). Function, virtue, and the moral life. Cambridge University Press.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Hackett Publishing.
• Olson, M. (2014). Justice as fairness: A restatement. Harvard University Press.
• Ross, W. D. (1930). The right and the good. Oxford University Press.
• Salamon, S. (2014). Social security: The basics. Social Security Administration.
• Todd, S. (2012). A history of Social Security. Economic Policy Institute.
• U.S. Social Security Administration. (2023). The future of Social Security: A report. SSA.
• Watson, J. (2019). Medicare and health policy. Oxford University Press.
• Winkler, A. M. (2012). Reforming Social Security. Columbia University Press.
• Young, I. M. (2000). Justice and the politics of difference. Princeton University Press.