In a 3-page formatted paper including proper grammar and an introduction, body, and conclusion, respond to the following prompts:
Based on your previous research and analysis, provide a general assessment of which vision (constrained or unconstrained) your policy tends to ascribe to. Explain and support your conclusions with references to the Sowell (2007) text.
Briefly describe how the policy views the following as described by Sowell (2007) (social processes, equality, power, and justice) and identify how its view of each aligns with the constrained or unconstrained vision. Use evidence from your analysis of the policy (its approach, proposed solutions, assumptions, history, etc.) to support your thoughts and conclusions.
Based on your review of the Comparison Chart of Social Justice Ideas and Worldviews, describe how your chosen policy aligns with or advocates for one or more aspects of these differing worldviews and the assumptions they make in their definitions.
Finally, summarize any gaps, flaws in logic, or assumptions the current policy makes in your view that may impair its ability to achieve its desired outcomes and what values from the NASW Code of Ethics could help to improve the development or effectiveness of the policy going forward and why.
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
Assessment of Policy Through Constrained and Unconstrained Vision
Introduction
Policy-making is often influenced by underlying philosophical frameworks that shape how issues are understood and addressed. According to Thomas Sowell in his book “A Conflict of Visions” (2007), there are two primary visions that frame policy discussions: the constrained and unconstrained visions. The constrained vision posits that human nature is fixed, leading to a more pragmatic approach to social issues, while the unconstrained vision emphasizes the potential for human improvement and societal transformation. This paper aims to assess a specific policy through the lens of these visions, examining its perspectives on social processes, equality, power, and justice. Furthermore, I will explore how the policy aligns with various social justice ideas and worldviews, identify gaps or flaws in its logic, and propose values from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics to enhance its effectiveness.
Assessment of Policy Vision
The policy under consideration leans towards the unconstrained vision as described by Sowell (2007). This is evident in its focus on systemic change, aiming to rectify perceived social injustices through legislation and government intervention. For instance, if the policy advocates for comprehensive education reform to eliminate educational disparities, it reflects an underlying belief that human behavior and societal structures can be fundamentally transformed for the better. The assumption that targeted interventions can significantly alter social outcomes aligns with the unconstrained vision’s belief in human malleability and the capacity for improvement.
Analysis of Social Processes, Equality, Power, and Justice
1. Social Processes: In the context of this policy, social processes are viewed as mechanisms through which systemic inequality can be addressed. The policy likely assumes that with appropriate interventions, such as increased funding for public schools in underprivileged areas or affirmative action programs, social dynamics can shift towards greater equity. This perspective aligns with the unconstrained vision’s emphasis on reforming societal systems to achieve desired outcomes.
2. Equality: The policy’s approach to equality suggests a belief in substantive equality—where outcomes are prioritized over opportunities. It may advocate for redistributive measures to ensure that marginalized groups receive equal access to resources and opportunities. This view contrasts with the constrained vision, which often emphasizes equality of opportunity rather than equality of outcome.
3. Power: The policy likely frames power as something that can be redistributed through legislative measures. It may advocate for empowering marginalized communities by providing them with the resources and opportunities necessary to influence decision-making processes. This perspective reflects an unconstrained vision that believes in dismantling existing power structures to create a more equitable society.
4. Justice: In terms of justice, the policy may emphasize restorative justice principles, seeking to rectify historical wrongs and provide reparative measures for affected groups. This notion aligns with the unconstrained vision’s belief that justice can be achieved through deliberate and structured interventions aimed at transforming societal norms and values.
Alignment with Social Justice Ideas and Worldviews
Based on the Comparison Chart of Social Justice Ideas and Worldviews, the chosen policy aligns primarily with progressive and liberal worldviews. These perspectives advocate for active government involvement in rectifying social inequities and promoting rights for marginalized populations. The assumption inherent in these worldviews is that societal structures are capable of being reformed to ensure fairness and justice for all individuals. The policy’s emphasis on systemic reform, equitable resource distribution, and empowerment of underrepresented groups reinforces this alignment.
Gaps and Flaws in Logic
Despite its noble intentions, the current policy has several gaps and assumptions that may impair its effectiveness. One significant flaw is the assumption that increased funding or resources will automatically lead to improved outcomes. This overlooks the complexities of human behavior and social dynamics that may not respond predictably to financial inputs alone. Additionally, the policy may fail to account for the diverse needs within marginalized communities, risking a one-size-fits-all approach that does not address specific cultural or contextual factors.
To enhance the effectiveness of this policy, it would benefit from incorporating values from the NASW Code of Ethics, particularly those related to social justice, dignity and worth of the person, and the importance of human relationships. By prioritizing these values, policymakers can ensure that interventions are not only equitable but also respectful of individual circumstances and community dynamics. Emphasizing collaboration with affected communities in policy development can lead to more tailored solutions that genuinely address the root causes of inequality rather than merely treating symptoms.
Conclusion
In summary, the assessed policy ascribes predominantly to an unconstrained vision as outlined by Sowell (2007), emphasizing systemic change to achieve social equity. Its views on social processes, equality, power, and justice align with this vision’s belief in human potential for improvement. While the policy advocates for progressive reforms, it contains logical gaps that could hinder its success. By integrating values from the NASW Code of Ethics into its framework, policymakers can enhance the development and implementation of the policy, fostering a more effective approach to achieving its desired outcomes. Ultimately, a nuanced understanding of these complex issues is essential for creating policies that genuinely promote justice and equity in society.
