The general subject topic of your paper:
PTSD as a defense
While you are primarily addressing the topic selected, you may want to discuss or expand on a topic presented in the textbook, a case dealing with the subject, or a current event from the news or Internet, and present your viewpoint or perspective on that item as it relates to the issue present in your chosen topic
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
PTSD as a Defense: Recognizing the Impact of Trauma
Introduction
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that can have profound effects on individuals who have experienced traumatic events. In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition of PTSD as a valid defense in legal cases. This essay explores the use of PTSD as a defense, its implications for the legal system, and the importance of understanding and addressing trauma in the criminal justice system.
Understanding PTSD as a Defense
PTSD as a defense argues that the psychological impact of traumatic events can significantly impair an individual’s ability to control their actions or form the necessary intent required for criminal liability. The defense asserts that the symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance, can interfere with an individual’s rational decision-making process, thereby mitigating their culpability for a crime committed.
The Legal Implications
The recognition of PTSD as a defense has significant implications for the legal system. It challenges the traditional notion of criminal responsibility by introducing the concept of mental health and trauma into legal proceedings. This shift acknowledges that individuals who have experienced traumatic events may be driven to engage in criminal behavior as a result of their psychological condition.
Case Study: The Impact of PTSD on Veterans
One notable case that highlights the use of PTSD as a defense is that of veterans returning from war zones. Many soldiers experience intense trauma during combat, leading to the development of PTSD. In some cases, these veterans may find themselves involved in criminal activities upon their return home.
Recognizing the impact of PTSD on veterans is crucial when assessing their criminal culpability. The trauma they have endured can severely affect their mental well-being and decision-making processes. By considering their psychological condition, the legal system can better understand the underlying factors contributing to their actions.
Public Perception and Stigma
The acceptance of PTSD as a defense faces challenges due to public perception and stigma surrounding mental health issues. Some argue that allowing this defense may be seen as excusing criminal behavior or minimizing responsibility. However, it is vital to recognize that PTSD is a legitimate mental health condition resulting from traumatic experiences.
By destigmatizing mental health issues and educating the public about the effects of trauma, we can foster a more compassionate and understanding society. This includes acknowledging that individuals with PTSD may require specialized support and treatment rather than solely punitive measures.
Rehabilitation and Treatment
Instead of solely focusing on punishment, the legal system should prioritize rehabilitation and treatment for individuals with PTSD who are involved in criminal activities. By addressing the underlying trauma and providing appropriate therapy and support, we can work towards breaking the cycle of crime and promoting healing for both the individual and society.
Conclusion
Recognizing PTSD as a defense in legal cases is an important step towards understanding the impact of trauma on an individual’s mental state and decision-making processes. By acknowledging the psychological consequences of traumatic events, we can create a more compassionate approach within the criminal justice system. It is crucial to prioritize rehabilitation and treatment, rather than solely punishment, for individuals with PTSD involved in criminal activities. Ultimately, by addressing trauma and providing support, we can foster healing and prevent further harm in our society.
