Write an argumentative essay on The Brain and Nervous System (Psychology)
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
The Brain and Nervous System: The Key to Understanding Human Behavior
Introduction
The brain and nervous system are the foundation of human cognition, emotion, and behavior. As the core components of our psychological functioning, studying the brain and nervous system is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of human behavior. This essay will argue that delving into the intricate workings of the brain and nervous system is essential for unlocking the mysteries of the human mind and advancing our knowledge in the field of psychology.
The Brain: The Control Center of Human Behavior
The brain is the control center of the human body, responsible for processing information, generating thoughts and emotions, and coordinating bodily functions. By studying the brain, psychologists can gain valuable insights into how various cognitive processes occur and how they influence human behavior.
One key area of study is neuroimaging, which allows scientists to visualize brain activity in real-time. Techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) enable researchers to observe which areas of the brain are activated during specific tasks or experiences. This information helps us understand how different brain regions contribute to various cognitive processes, such as memory, attention, and decision-making.
For example, studies using fMRI have revealed that the prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in executive functions like planning, problem-solving, and impulse control. Understanding these neural mechanisms can inform interventions for individuals with executive function deficits, such as those with ADHD or certain neurological disorders.
The Nervous System: A Network of Communication
The nervous system is a complex network of cells responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body. It consists of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS comprises nerves that extend throughout the body.
Studying the nervous system allows psychologists to explore how signals are transmitted and processed, providing insights into various aspects of behavior. For example, research on the autonomic nervous system has shed light on the physiological correlates of emotion. By examining changes in heart rate, skin conductance, and other physiological responses, psychologists can better understand the interplay between emotional experiences and bodily reactions.
Furthermore, understanding the neural pathways involved in sensory perception can elucidate why individuals perceive and interpret stimuli differently. Variations in neural wiring can contribute to individual differences in perception, explaining why some individuals may have heightened sensitivity to stimuli like sound or touch.
Advancing Psychological Research and Interventions
Studying the brain and nervous system not only enhances our theoretical understanding of human behavior but also has practical implications for psychological research and interventions. By integrating neuroscience with psychology, researchers can develop more comprehensive theories that encompass both biological and psychological factors.
For instance, considering the role of neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine can provide insights into psychological disorders such as depression or addiction. Understanding how imbalances in these neurotransmitters affect mood or reward processing can inform targeted interventions through pharmacological treatments or behavioral therapies.
Moreover, advances in neurotechnologies have opened up new possibilities for interventions. Techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or deep brain stimulation (DBS) allow researchers to directly modulate brain activity, offering potential treatments for conditions like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or chronic pain.
Conclusion
The brain and nervous system are at the core of human cognition, emotion, and behavior. By studying these intricate systems, psychologists gain valuable insights into how our minds work and how they shape our actions. The advancements in neuroimaging techniques, understanding of neural pathways, and integration of neuroscience with psychology have revolutionized our understanding of human behavior.
Investigating the brain and nervous system not only advances our theoretical knowledge but also has practical implications for psychological research and interventions. By unlocking the mysteries of the brain, we pave the way for innovative treatments and interventions that can improve mental health and well-being.
In conclusion, studying the brain and nervous system is instrumental in comprehending human behavior. Integrating neuroscience with psychology enables us to unravel the complexities of the mind and develop effective strategies to enhance human functioning. A deeper understanding of these foundational components is crucial for advancing our knowledge in psychology and ultimately improving the lives of individuals worldwide.
