Write an essay comparing the Eastern civilizations (China, India) with the Western civilizations (Greece, Rome), answering any or all of the following questions. How are the east and the west similar? Did the east and west each have great thinkers?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
A Comparative Analysis of Eastern and Western Civilizations
Introduction
Throughout history, two major civilizations have emerged and flourished: the Eastern civilizations, represented by China and India, and the Western civilizations, represented by Greece and Rome. These civilizations have played a significant role in shaping the world as we know it today. While there are distinct differences between the East and the West, there are also striking similarities. Moreover, both regions have produced great thinkers who have profoundly influenced their societies. This essay aims to explore the similarities between Eastern and Western civilizations and examine the intellectual contributions of each.
Similarities between Eastern and Western Civilizations
1. Philosophy and Ethics
Both Eastern and Western civilizations have developed rich philosophical traditions that have influenced their respective cultures. In the East, China and India gave rise to prominent philosophical schools such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. These philosophies emphasized concepts such as moral conduct, social harmony, and the pursuit of enlightenment.
Similarly, Western civilizations, particularly Greece, produced renowned philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Their philosophical inquiries focused on topics such as ethics, politics, and the nature of reality. Both the East and the West recognized the importance of philosophy in guiding individuals towards a virtuous life.
2. Artistic Expression
Art has been a vital part of both Eastern and Western civilizations, serving as a medium for cultural expression and aesthetic appreciation. In the East, China’s rich tradition of calligraphy, painting, and ceramics exemplify their artistic achievements. Indian art, known for its intricate sculptures and vibrant paintings, reflects the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
Similarly, Western civilizations showcased their creativity through various art forms. Greek sculptures like the Venus de Milo exemplify their mastery in capturing human form and beauty. Roman architecture, such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon, demonstrates their engineering prowess and artistic sensibility.
3. Scientific Advancements
Both Eastern and Western civilizations made significant contributions to scientific knowledge. In ancient China, notable inventions like papermaking, gunpowder, and the compass revolutionized various aspects of society. Similarly, Indian mathematicians made groundbreaking discoveries in areas such as algebra and trigonometry.
In the West, ancient Greece laid the foundation for scientific inquiry through the works of philosophers like Pythagoras and Euclid. Roman engineers developed advanced techniques in construction and infrastructure. The scientific advancements made in both regions have shaped the course of human progress.
Great Thinkers in Eastern and Western Civilizations
Eastern Civilizations
Confucius: A Chinese philosopher who emphasized moral values, social harmony, and filial piety. His teachings formed the basis of Confucianism, which has had a profound impact on Chinese society for centuries.
Laozi: The founder of Taoism, Laozi’s writings focused on living in harmony with nature and cultivating inner peace. His philosophical ideas have influenced not only China but also other East Asian countries.
Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha): The founder of Buddhism, Gautama’s teachings center around the quest for enlightenment and liberation from suffering. Buddhism has spread throughout Asia, impacting millions of lives.
Western Civilizations
Socrates: A Greek philosopher who championed critical thinking and questioning conventions. His method of inquiry formed the basis of Western philosophy and influenced subsequent thinkers like Plato.
Plato: A student of Socrates, Plato’s philosophical dialogues explored topics such as justice, truth, and the ideal society. His ideas continue to shape Western thought to this day.
Aristotle: A Greek polymath who made significant contributions to numerous fields like philosophy, science, and ethics. His works on logic and natural sciences laid the groundwork for Western intellectual tradition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are distinct differences between Eastern and Western civilizations, such as cultural practices and historical contexts, they also share remarkable similarities. Both regions have developed rich philosophical traditions, demonstrated artistic achievements, and made significant contributions to scientific knowledge. Furthermore, both the East and the West have produced great thinkers whose ideas continue to influence societies even today. By understanding these shared aspects and appreciating their unique contributions, we can foster a greater appreciation for the diversity of human civilization as a whole.
