Importance of the golden reason in society
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
The Importance of the Golden Ratio in Society
Introduction
The Golden Ratio, often denoted by the Greek letter phi (φ), is a mathematical concept that has intrigued and inspired individuals across various disciplines for centuries. From art and architecture to nature and design, the Golden Ratio is believed to represent a sense of aesthetic harmony and proportion that resonates with human perception. In this essay, we will explore the significance of the Golden Ratio in society and its impact on various aspects of human life.
Aesthetic Harmony and Beauty
One of the most notable aspects of the Golden Ratio is its association with beauty and aesthetic appeal. Artists, architects, and designers have long relied on the proportions derived from the Golden Ratio to create visually pleasing compositions that are perceived as harmonious and balanced. From the Parthenon in Athens to Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, the Golden Ratio has been a guiding principle in creating works of art that captivate and inspire viewers.
Psychological Perception
Studies have shown that humans tend to prefer objects and images that adhere to the proportions of the Golden Ratio. This preference is believed to be rooted in our innate sense of balance and symmetry, which are qualities often associated with beauty and perfection. By incorporating the Golden Ratio into visual compositions, products, and environments, designers can evoke a sense of harmony that resonates with our psychological perception of aesthetics.
Architectural Marvels
In architecture, the Golden Ratio has been used to design structures that are not only visually stunning but also structurally sound. Buildings such as the Taj Mahal, the Parthenon, and the Great Pyramid of Giza are said to embody proportions based on the Golden Ratio, contributing to their enduring appeal and grandeur. The application of this mathematical principle in architecture highlights its role in shaping our built environment and enhancing our experience of space.
Nature’s Design
The Golden Ratio is not limited to human creations but is also found abundantly in nature. From the spiral patterns of seashells to the branching of trees and the arrangement of flower petals, natural phenomena often exhibit proportions that approximate the Golden Ratio. This prevalence of phi in nature has led some to view it as a universal principle that governs the growth and form of living organisms, reinforcing its significance in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
Cultural Significance
Beyond its mathematical and aesthetic appeal, the Golden Ratio holds cultural significance in various societies around the world. From ancient civilizations to modern-day artists, the concept of harmonic proportions has transcended geographical boundaries and time periods, serving as a symbol of order, balance, and perfection. Its pervasive influence in diverse cultural contexts underscores its timeless relevance and enduring impact on human creativity and expression.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Golden Ratio plays a multifaceted role in society, influencing art, design, architecture, psychology, and our perception of beauty. As a mathematical concept that embodies harmony and proportion, the Golden Ratio serves as a guiding principle for creators seeking to evoke a sense of aesthetic excellence and balance in their works. By recognizing the significance of phi in shaping our built environment, cultural heritage, and natural world, we gain a deeper appreciation for its enduring importance in enriching human experience and expression.
Through its timeless appeal and universal resonance, the Golden Ratio continues to inspire creativity, spark curiosity, and foster a deeper connection between mathematics, art, and society. As we continue to explore its implications and applications in various domains, we reaffirm the profound impact of this mathematical marvel on shaping our collective understanding of beauty, symmetry, and design in the world we inhabit.
