Through self-reflection (no more than 2 pages), describe a situation in which ethical and legal standards in the Social Work profession could conflict. Questions to consider 1. Why is ethics important in Social work? 2. How to avoid ethical problems in our profession?
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
Ethical and Legal Standards in the Social Work Profession: A Delicate Balance
Introduction
The field of social work is built upon a foundation of ethical practice, aimed at promoting the well-being and empowerment of individuals and communities. However, there are instances where ethical and legal standards in this profession can conflict, creating a challenging dilemma for social workers. In this essay, we will explore a situation where these conflicts may arise, discuss the importance of ethics in social work, and provide strategies to avoid ethical problems in our profession.
Conflict between Ethical and Legal Standards
One scenario where ethical and legal standards may clash is the issue of confidentiality. Social workers are bound by professional ethics to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of their clients’ information. However, there are legal mandates that require social workers to disclose certain information in specific circumstances, such as cases involving child abuse or threats to public safety. This conflict between ethical principles and legal obligations can create a complex situation for social workers.
On one hand, social workers have an ethical duty to protect their clients’ privacy, as confidentiality helps build trust and fosters open communication. Clients often share sensitive and personal information during therapy sessions or counseling, relying on the assurance that their information will remain confidential. Breaching this trust can have severe consequences, including a breakdown in the therapeutic relationship.
On the other hand, legal mandates exist to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals or communities. In cases where social workers suspect child abuse or harm to others, they may be legally obligated to report this information to the appropriate authorities. Failing to fulfill this legal duty could potentially result in harm to vulnerable individuals or even legal consequences for the social worker.
The Importance of Ethics in Social Work
Ethics play a crucial role in the field of social work for several reasons:
Client Autonomy: Ethical practice respects the autonomy and self-determination of clients. It acknowledges their rights to make decisions regarding their own lives, ensuring their voices are heard and choices are respected.
Professional Integrity: Ethical guidelines help social workers maintain their professional integrity by providing clear standards for their conduct. Upholding these principles ensures that social workers act in a manner consistent with their role and responsibilities.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Ethics in social work emphasize the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from harm and exploitation. This includes advocating for social justice, equality, and fairness.
Building Trust: Ethical behavior builds trust between social workers and their clients. Clients are more likely to engage in open and honest discussions if they feel confident that their confidentiality will be protected.
Strategies to Avoid Ethical Problems
While conflicts between ethical and legal standards can be challenging, there are strategies that social workers can employ to navigate these complexities:
Familiarize Yourself with Ethical Guidelines: Stay updated with the professional code of ethics governing social work practice. Familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines related to confidentiality, informed consent, and reporting obligations.
Consult with Colleagues and Supervisors: Seek guidance from experienced colleagues or supervisors when faced with ethical dilemmas. Engaging in discussions with others can provide valuable insights and perspectives that may help clarify the best course of action.
Continuing Education: Participate in ongoing professional development activities to enhance your understanding of ethical issues in social work practice. Attend workshops, conferences, or seminars that address current ethical challenges faced by social workers.
Document Decision-Making Process: Maintain thorough documentation of your decision-making process when faced with ethical conflicts. This documentation can serve as evidence of your thoughtful consideration of ethical principles when making difficult decisions.
Regular Supervision: Engage in regular supervision sessions with a qualified supervisor who can provide support and guidance in navigating ethical challenges. Supervision allows for reflection on practice, ethical decision-making, and accountability.
In conclusion, ethical and legal standards can sometimes conflict within the field of social work, creating complex dilemmas for professionals. It is crucial to recognize the importance of ethics in promoting the well-being of individuals and communities. By familiarizing ourselves with ethical guidelines, seeking guidance from colleagues and supervisors, participating in continuing education, documenting decision-making processes, and engaging in regular supervision, we can navigate these challenges and uphold the highest standards of ethical practice in our profession.
