Final answer:
Social Contract Theory would find a lie to prevent panic unethical due to the violation of societal trust, while rule utilitarianism might consider it ethical if it resulted in the greater good by preventing widespread harm.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example where Social Contract Theory and rule utilitarianism may disagree about the morality of an action involves making a false public statement to prevent panic. According to Social Contract Theory, which posits that ethical behavior is grounded in the agreement between individuals in a society to abide by certain rules, making a false public statement is unethical because it violates the agreed-upon tenet of truthfulness essential to social cooperation. However, rule utilitarianism, which suggests that an action is ethical if it follows a rule that leads to the greatest good for the greatest number, may argue that the lie is justified if it prevents widespread panic and harm.