From the readings and videos, do you think there is a fundamental differences (In general) howmen and women approach ethics? Is it “nature” or “nurture”- (factors of environment how oneis raised)? A combination? Or is there a moral universality regardless of sex and/or gender? Arethere any issues that would be approached differently? If so, can you give an example?
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
Gender Differences in Ethical Approaches: Nature vs. Nurture Debate
Introduction:
Exploring the potential differences in how men and women approach ethics is a complex endeavor that involves considerations of biological factors (nature) and environmental influences (nurture). This essay delves into the debate on whether gender plays a significant role in ethical decision-making, examining the interplay between nature and nurture, assessing the existence of moral universality, and identifying potential ethical issues that may be approached differently based on gender perspectives.
Gender Differences in Ethical Approaches:
1. Nature vs. Nurture Debate:
– Nature Perspective: Some studies suggest that biological differences between men and women, such as hormonal influences, brain structure, and genetic predispositions, may contribute to variations in ethical reasoning and decision-making.
– Nurture Perspective: Environmental factors, including socialization, cultural norms, educational experiences, and upbringing, shape individuals’ ethical beliefs and behaviors, potentially leading to gender-specific ethical orientations.
2. Moral Universality vs. Gender-Specific Ethics:
– Moral Universality: Proponents of moral universality argue that ethical principles are applicable to all individuals regardless of gender, emphasizing shared values like honesty, fairness, and respect for others.
– Gender-Specific Ethics: Critics contend that societal expectations, gender roles, and lived experiences can influence how men and women perceive moral dilemmas and prioritize ethical considerations differently.
3. Issues Approached Differently:
– Example – Care Ethics vs. Justice Ethics: – Care Ethics is often associated with feminine ethical perspectives, emphasizing relationships, empathy, and interconnectedness in decision-making.
– Justice Ethics, on the other hand, is linked to masculine ethical frameworks focused on principles, rights, and impartiality.
Nature vs. Nurture in Ethical Decision-Making:
1. Combination of Nature and Nurture:
– Research suggests that while biological factors may play a role in shaping cognitive processes and emotional responses, environmental influences significantly impact the development of ethical reasoning skills and moral values.
– A combination of genetic predispositions, socialization practices, educational opportunities, and cultural norms contributes to the complexity of ethical decision-making across genders.
2. Gender-Specific Ethical Issues:
– Workplace Ethics: Women may approach workplace ethics differently, emphasizing collaboration, inclusivity, and work-life balance, while men may focus more on competition, assertiveness, and individual achievement.
– Reproductive Rights: Views on reproductive rights and healthcare decisions may vary based on gender perspectives, with women often advocating for autonomy over their bodies and healthcare choices.
Conclusion:
While debates persist regarding the extent to which gender influences ethical approaches, it is crucial to acknowledge the interplay between nature and nurture in shaping individuals’ moral orientations. Recognizing both universal moral principles and gender-specific ethical considerations can foster inclusive dialogues, promote diversity in ethical perspectives, and enhance collective understanding of complex ethical dilemmas in diverse societal contexts.
By embracing a nuanced understanding of gender differences in ethical reasoning and acknowledging the multifaceted influences of nature and nurture, we can cultivate inclusive ethical frameworks that celebrate diverse perspectives and foster ethical decision-making grounded in empathy, fairness, and integrity.
