Explain (in at least 200 words for each letter), why you agree or disagree with the following ideas:
a. All people have a right to use as many resources as they want.
b. Other species exist to be used by humans.
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. All people have a right to use as many resources as they want.
I disagree with the idea that all people have a right to use as many resources as they want. While it is important to acknowledge that individuals have the right to access resources needed for their basic survival and well-being, it is equally important to recognize the limitations of our planet and the concept of sustainability.
Firstly, the Earth’s resources are finite. We live in a world with limited natural resources, such as fossil fuels, minerals, and fresh water. If everyone were allowed to use as many resources as they wanted without any constraints, it would result in overexploitation and depletion of these resources. This would lead to ecological imbalances, environmental degradation, and scarcity, ultimately affecting the quality of life for future generations.
Furthermore, the idea of unlimited resource consumption disregards the principle of equity and social justice. There are significant disparities in resource distribution globally, with some regions already experiencing resource scarcity and poverty. If individuals were allowed unrestricted access to resources, it would exacerbate these inequalities, leaving disadvantaged populations even more vulnerable.
Instead, it is crucial to promote sustainable resource management practices. This involves using resources efficiently, minimizing waste generation, and exploring alternative sources of energy. By adopting a more responsible approach to resource consumption, we can ensure the availability of resources for present and future generations, while also addressing issues of social justice and equality.
In conclusion, the idea that all people have an unlimited right to use as many resources as they want is not feasible or ethical. We need to recognize our responsibility to preserve and sustainably manage Earth’s resources to ensure a better future for all.
b. Other species exist to be used by humans.
I strongly disagree with the notion that other species exist solely to be used by humans. This perspective stems from an anthropocentric worldview that places human interests above those of other living beings, disregarding the intrinsic value and rights of non-human species.
Firstly, from an ecological standpoint, all species play important roles in maintaining the balance and functioning of ecosystems. Each organism has its unique place in the web of life, contributing to the stability and resilience of the natural world. Assuming that other species exist solely for human exploitation undermines the intricate interdependencies and biodiversity that make our planet thrive.
Secondly, recognizing the ethical considerations surrounding animal welfare is essential. Animals possess their own inherent value and rights, independent of their usefulness to humans. They can experience pain, suffering, and have their own interests and desires. Treating animals as mere resources for human benefit can lead to unethical practices such as factory farming, animal testing, and habitat destruction.
Moreover, embracing a more compassionate approach towards other species can enhance our own well-being. Studies have shown that interactions with nature and animals can have positive effects on human mental health, stress reduction, and overall quality of life. By recognizing the intrinsic value of non-human species and promoting their welfare, we foster a harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world.
