A substantial number of authors of discussions of drug use regard PCP and MDMA (Ecstasy) as hallucinogens. Why? In contrast, the author of this chapter does not. Why not? Be specific and detailed.
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 Classification of PCP and MDMA: A Reevaluation
In the realm of drug categorization, PCP and MDMA (Ecstasy) have often been labeled as hallucinogens by a significant portion of authors and researchers. However, in this discussion, we will explore the reasons why the author of this chapter takes a different stance and does not classify PCP and MDMA as hallucinogens.
Understanding Hallucinogens
Before delving into the debate at hand, it is crucial to establish a common understanding of what constitutes a hallucinogen. Hallucinogens are substances that induce alterations in perception, mood, and cognitive processes, leading to profound changes in sensory experiences. Traditional hallucinogens such as LSD and psilocybin are known for their ability to produce vivid hallucinations and distortions in reality.
PCP and MDMA: A Different Perspective
PCP (Phencyclidine)
PCP, also known as “angel dust,” is a dissociative anesthetic that acts on the NMDA receptor in the brain. While PCP can induce hallucinatory experiences, its primary effects are better characterized as dissociative rather than strictly hallucinogenic. Dissociatives like PCP create a sense of detachment from oneself and the environment, leading to a feeling of being disconnected from reality. This dissociative quality sets PCP apart from classic hallucinogens like LSD, which primarily induce visual and auditory hallucinations without the same level of detachment.
MDMA (Ecstasy)
MDMA, commonly referred to as Ecstasy or Molly, is a synthetic drug known for its empathogenic and entactogenic effects. While MDMA can alter perception and enhance sensory experiences, its mechanism of action differs from that of traditional hallucinogens. MDMA primarily acts by increasing the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, leading to feelings of euphoria, empathy, and emotional openness. Unlike hallucinogens that directly distort sensory input, MDMA’s effects are more centered on emotional enhancement and social connection.
The Author’s Perspective
The author of this chapter refrains from classifying PCP and MDMA as hallucinogens due to their distinct pharmacological profiles and primary effects. While both substances can induce alterations in perception and consciousness, their mechanisms of action and predominant subjective experiences set them apart from classic hallucinogens like LSD or psilocybin.
In conclusion, the debate over whether PCP and MDMA should be classified as hallucinogens hinges on a nuanced understanding of their pharmacology and subjective effects. By recognizing the unique qualities that differentiate PCP and MDMA from traditional hallucinogens, we can appreciate the diverse spectrum of psychoactive substances and their varied impact on human consciousness.
