Ethics and the Internet: How much of your life (both professional and private) is spent online today and how much will it be tomorrow? Technology is evolving rapidly. and with it come new ethical dilemmas. What new ethical decisions must be made to live in the digital world with others. and how might these change again in the future with shifts toward virtual reality and artificial intelligence? In what ways has the Internet and all that comes with it (including the changes in our relationships with one another) made us more ethical. and in what ways has it compromised and challenged our integrity and values? What do we owe to strangers. friends. and loved ones online. and what do they owe to us?
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
Ethics and the Internet: Navigating the Digital Landscape
The Digital Presence Today and Tomorrow
In today’s hyper-connected world, a significant portion of our lives—both professional and private—is spent online. From social media interactions to remote work and e-commerce, the Internet has woven itself into the fabric of daily existence. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that our online presence will only increase. The rise of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) promises to further integrate digital experiences into our lives, creating new ethical dilemmas that we must navigate.
New Ethical Decisions in the Digital Age
As we spend more time online, new ethical decisions arise regarding privacy, consent, and data security. For instance, individuals often share vast amounts of personal information on social media platforms, frequently without fully understanding the implications. This raises questions about informed consent—are users genuinely aware of how their data is being used or shared? Moving forward, it will be essential to establish clearer guidelines for consent and transparency in data collection.
Moreover, the increasing prevalence of AI in our digital interactions presents its own set of ethical challenges. As AI systems become more sophisticated, they raise concerns about bias in algorithms, accountability for decisions made by machines, and the potential for surveillance. For example, facial recognition technology can enhance security but also poses risks regarding privacy violations and discrimination against marginalized communities. As these technologies continue to develop, ethical frameworks must adapt to address the complexities they introduce.
Changes in Relationships and Ethical Considerations
The Internet has fundamentally altered our relationships with one another. On one hand, it has connected us across vast distances, enabling friendships and collaborations that might not have been possible otherwise. This connectivity can foster a sense of community and belonging, encouraging ethical behavior through collective responsibility. Online platforms can amplify voices for social justice and mobilize action against injustices, creating a more ethically aware society.
On the other hand, the Internet can also lead to disconnection and anonymity that challenge our integrity and values. The relative anonymity of online interactions can embolden individuals to engage in harmful behaviors—such as cyberbullying or trolling—without facing immediate consequences. This digital disconnection can create a lack of accountability for one’s actions, leading to ethical lapses that would be less likely in face-to-face interactions.
Obligations to Each Other Online
In our digital interactions, we owe a duty of respect, empathy, and honesty to others—whether they are strangers, friends, or loved ones. This obligation includes treating others with kindness and refraining from engaging in harmful behaviors. It is crucial to recognize that behind every screen is a real person with feelings, experiences, and perspectives.
Conversely, those we interact with online owe us similar respect and consideration. Friends and loved ones should strive for open communication and honesty in their online engagements. Furthermore, there is an expectation that individuals will not exploit or manipulate personal information for their gain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as we navigate the complexities of the digital world, it is essential to remain vigilant about the ethical implications of our online presence. The rapid evolution of technology presents both opportunities for greater connectivity and challenges that can compromise our integrity and values. By fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and respect in our online interactions, we can work towards a more ethical digital landscape.
As we look toward the future—with advancements in virtual reality and artificial intelligence—it will be imperative to engage in ongoing discussions about ethics in technology. Establishing clear guidelines for data privacy, consent, and responsible AI use will be crucial for navigating this evolving terrain. Ultimately, by recognizing our obligations to one another online and striving for ethical behavior, we can ensure that our digital lives contribute positively to society while preserving the dignity and respect of all individuals involved.
