Write a five-page essay on the life of Admiral Grace Hopper, and her impact on computer science.
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.
Admiral Grace Hopper: A Pioneer in Computer Science
Introduction
Admiral Grace Hopper, a trailblazing figure in the field of computer science, left an indelible mark on technology and innovation through her groundbreaking work and visionary contributions. This essay delves into the life and achievements of Admiral Grace Hopper, highlighting her remarkable journey, significant accomplishments, and enduring impact on the world of computing.
Early Life and Education
Grace Brewster Murray Hopper was born on December 9, 1906, in New York City. From a young age, she exhibited a keen interest in mathematics and problem-solving, setting the stage for her future career in computing. Hopper pursued her academic endeavors with zeal, earning her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics from Vassar College in 1928. She later obtained her master’s and doctoral degrees in mathematics from Yale University, solidifying her foundation in analytical thinking and logical reasoning.
Military Career and Technological Innovations
Hopper’s entry into the United States Navy during World War II marked the beginning of a distinguished military career that would intertwine with her passion for technology. As a commissioned officer, she was assigned to work on the Harvard Mark I computer, one of the earliest electromechanical computers used for complex calculations. Hopper’s innovative spirit and problem-solving acumen came to the fore as she contributed to the development of programming languages and software systems that revolutionized data processing and computation.
One of Hopper’s most enduring legacies is her pioneering work on the development of the COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) programming language. COBOL, introduced in the late 1950s, was designed to be easily understood by non-technical users and to facilitate business data processing. Hopper’s instrumental role in the creation of COBOL heralded a new era of programming languages that enhanced efficiency, productivity, and accessibility in the burgeoning field of computer science.
Impact on Computer Science
Admiral Grace Hopper’s impact on computer science transcends mere technological advancements; her influence extends to inspiring future generations of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Through her relentless pursuit of excellence, pioneering spirit, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was possible, Hopper shattered gender barriers in a predominantly male-dominated field and paved the way for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Hopper’s emphasis on clarity, precision, and logical thinking in programming laid the groundwork for modern software development practices and exemplified the importance of structured and efficient coding. Her advocacy for standardized programming languages and systems led to greater interoperability, compatibility, and scalability in software applications, fostering a more collaborative and interconnected digital ecosystem.
Legacy and Recognition
Admiral Grace Hopper’s contributions to computer science have been widely celebrated and acknowledged through numerous accolades and honors. She received the prestigious National Medal of Technology in 1991 for her seminal work in advancing computing technology and promoting innovation. Hopper’s legacy lives on through the annual Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing conference, which honors her pioneering spirit and advocacy for diversity and inclusion in technology fields.
In recognition of her exceptional achievements and lasting impact on computer science, Hopper was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, cementing her status as a revered figure in the annals of technological history. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of aspiring technologists to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and harness the power of technology for positive change and progress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Admiral Grace Hopper’s remarkable life story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, innovation, and vision in shaping the course of technological progress. Her trailblazing contributions to computer science have not only revolutionized the way we approach programming and software development but have also paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse tech industry. As we reflect on Admiral Grace Hopper’s enduring legacy, we are reminded of the profound impact that one individual can have on society through their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
