“Embark on a philosophical exploration of existentialism, delving into its key concepts, origins, and implications for understanding human existence. Investigate the existentialist philosophies of thinkers such as Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Jean-Paul Sartre, analyzing their perspectives on freedom, individuality, and the search for meaning in a seemingly absurd world. Examine existentialist themes in literature, film, and art, considering their existentialist implications. Evaluate the relevance of existentialist thought in contemporary society, addressing existential crises, authenticity, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. Utilize philosophical texts, critical analysis, and reflective inquiry to engage deeply with existentialist philosophy and its enduring questions.”
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
Essay: Exploring Existentialism: Key Concepts, Thinkers, and Contemporary Relevance
Introduction
Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, delves into the fundamental questions of human existence, freedom, individuality, and the search for meaning in a seemingly absurd world. This essay embarks on a philosophical exploration of existentialism, examining its key concepts, origins, and implications for understanding the complexities of human experience.
Key Concepts of Existentialism
Existentialism revolves around the core themes of freedom, individuality, authenticity, and the quest for meaning in an indifferent universe. Existentialist thinkers focus on subjective experience, personal responsibility, and the inherent uncertainty and anxiety that accompany human existence.
Origins of Existentialism
Existentialist philosophy finds its roots in the works of philosophers such as Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Jean-Paul Sartre. Kierkegaard emphasized the importance of personal choice and faith in the face of existential despair. Nietzsche challenged conventional morality and championed the concept of the “Übermensch” or Overman. Sartre, a leading figure in 20th-century existentialism, explored themes of radical freedom, anguish, and the responsibility to create one’s essence through actions.
Existentialist Themes in Literature, Film, and Art
Existentialist themes permeate various forms of artistic expression, including literature, film, and art. Works such as Albert Camus’ “The Stranger,” Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis,” and Ingmar Bergman’s films delve into existential dilemmas, alienation, and the search for authenticity in a world devoid of inherent meaning. Artists like Edvard Munch and Francis Bacon capture the existential angst and isolation experienced by individuals in modern society through their evocative paintings.
Contemporary Relevance of Existentialist Thought
In contemporary society, existentialist thought remains relevant in addressing existential crises, navigating questions of identity and purpose, and fostering a sense of personal fulfillment. The concept of authenticity, as espoused by existentialists, emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with one’s values, beliefs, and inner truth. Existentialism offers a framework for individuals to confront the uncertainties of life, embrace freedom of choice, and find meaning in the face of adversity.
Implications for Understanding Human Existence
Existentialism challenges individuals to confront the inherent absurdity and ambiguity of human existence without succumbing to nihilism or despair. By acknowledging the unpredictability of life and the inevitability of death, existentialist philosophy encourages individuals to embrace their autonomy, confront existential anxieties, and create their own sense of purpose and significance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, existentialism provides a profound lens through which to examine human existence, freedom, and the pursuit of meaning in a world marked by uncertainty and ambiguity. By exploring the perspectives of key existentialist thinkers such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Sartre, analyzing their contributions to philosophical discourse, and reflecting on existentialist themes in literature, film, and art, we gain insights into the complexities of the human condition. The enduring relevance of existentialist thought in contemporary society underscores its enduring appeal as a philosophical framework for grappling with life’s profound questions and seeking authenticity in a world fraught with challenges and opportunities for self-discovery.
