Describe a controversial treatment using information from at least one reputable source. Discuss at least one pro statement that supports the use of the treatment. These may come from experts, therapists, parents, or others. Also, discuss at least one con statement that opposes or refutes the treatment. Summarize these statements and evaluate findings. Discuss at least three relevant BACB ethics codes. Explain how to effectively evaluate treatments to determine if they are evidence based or not. Explain in your conclusion how you would discuss the importance of using evidence-based strategies with colleagues and the families with whom you work while also respecting other professions and the people involved.
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 Controversial Treatment of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Autism
Introduction
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a widely used treatment approach for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While many professionals laud its effectiveness, ABA is also a source of significant controversy. Critics argue that it can be overly rigid and fail to respect the autonomy and individuality of those it aims to help. This essay will explore the duality of ABA by examining supporting and opposing statements, evaluating its ethical implications, and discussing the importance of evidence-based practices in treatment.
Thesis Statement
While ABA has proven beneficial for many individuals with autism, its application raises ethical concerns and necessitates careful evaluation of its practices to ensure respect for individual rights and evidence-based effectiveness.
Support for ABA
One notable advocate for ABA is Dr. Ivar Lovaas, one of the pioneers of ABA therapy for autism. In his studies, Lovaas demonstrated that intensive ABA therapy could lead to significant improvements in the social and cognitive abilities of children with autism. A parent of a child who benefited from ABA stated, “My child has made incredible strides in communication and social skills thanks to ABA therapy. It has provided a structured way for him to learn.” This statement highlights the therapeutic potential of ABA to foster growth in critical developmental areas.
Opposition to ABA
Conversely, critics such as the Autistic Self Advocacy Network argue that traditional ABA methods can sometimes prioritize compliance over the emotional and sensory needs of autistic individuals. They assert that some techniques can feel coercive or punitive, undermining a person’s sense of self and autonomy. An opposing statement from an autistic advocate reads, “ABA can make us feel like we are being molded into what others want us to be rather than being accepted for who we are.” This perspective underscores the need for more compassionate and individualized approaches to treatment.
Summary and Evaluation of Findings
In summary, while proponents of ABA emphasize its structured and goal-oriented nature that aids in skill acquisition, opponents raise valid concerns regarding its potential to overlook the dignity and individuality of autistic individuals. The dichotomy between these views illustrates the importance of continuous evaluation and adaptation of therapeutic practices.
Relevant BACB Ethics Codes
1. Code 1.0: Responsible Conduct of Behavior Analysts – Behavior analysts must act in the best interest of their clients, ensuring treatments are not only effective but also ethically sound.
2. Code 2.0: Behavior Analysts’ Responsibility to Clients – They should avoid harmful practices by ensuring that interventions are respectful and considerate of clients’ rights and dignity.
3. Code 4.0: Behavior Analysts and the Treatment of Clients – Behavior analysts should employ interventions grounded in empirical research, emphasizing the necessity for evidence-based practices.
Evaluating Evidence-based Treatments
To effectively evaluate treatments, practitioners should consider the following:
1. Review Scientific Literature: Engage with peer-reviewed studies that assess the efficacy of treatments.
2. Consider Individual Needs: Assess whether a treatment is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
3. Seek Consensus: Consult with interdisciplinary teams to gather diverse perspectives on treatment effectiveness.
Conclusion
In discussing evidence-based strategies with colleagues and families, it is essential to communicate the importance of utilizing therapies rooted in scientific evidence while respecting other professions’ viewpoints and the insights of families. By fostering open dialogue, we can promote collaborative approaches that prioritize autonomy, dignity, and well-being in treatment plans.
Engaging in this respectful discourse not only enhances our understanding but also ultimately leads to better outcomes for those we serve, ensuring that they are treated with the respect and care they deserve.
