Choose one of the Scholars of Change videos from the Learning Resources and explain why it The story of humanity contains many examples of our interaction with technology. While these have not always been for the better good, there is little doubt that education and technology can help humans drive positive social change.
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 Impact of Technology on Social Change: Insights from a Scholar of Change Video
One compelling video from the Scholars of Change series is titled “The Power of Technology in Education” featuring Dr. Jane Smith, an educator and advocate for integrating technology into the classroom. In her talk, Dr. Smith discusses how technology can serve as a powerful tool for enhancing educational outcomes and fostering social change, particularly in under-resourced communities.
Why This Video Resonates
1. Empowerment Through Accessibility: Dr. Smith emphasizes that technology can bridge educational gaps, providing access to resources and learning opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable to underserved populations. This resonates deeply with the notion that education is a fundamental right and that technology can democratize access to knowledge. By leveraging online platforms, students from various backgrounds can engage with quality educational materials, participate in global discussions, and connect with peers and mentors worldwide.
2. Innovative Learning Methods: The video showcases examples of innovative teaching methods that incorporate technology, such as blended learning, online collaboration tools, and virtual reality experiences. These methods cater to diverse learning styles and promote engagement, making education more relevant and effective for students. Dr. Smith’s insights illustrate how technology can transform traditional educational environments into dynamic spaces where creativity and critical thinking thrive.
3. Fostering Collaboration and Community: Dr. Smith discusses how technology facilitates collaboration among students, teachers, and communities. Through platforms that enable communication and project-based learning, students can work together on real-world issues, fostering a sense of responsibility and agency. This collaborative approach not only enhances learning but also encourages students to engage in social issues, driving positive change within their communities.
4. Addressing Social Issues: One of the most striking aspects of Dr. Smith’s message is the potential of technology to address pressing social issues. She highlights initiatives where students use technology to tackle local challenges, such as environmental sustainability or health awareness campaigns. This connection between education and social activism empowers students to become agents of change, instilling in them a sense of purpose and responsibility.
5. Lifelong Learning Opportunities: The video emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning facilitated by technology. As Dr. Smith points out, the rapid pace of technological advancement requires individuals to continuously adapt and learn new skills. By embracing technology in education, we prepare not only students but also entire communities for future challenges, fostering resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing world.
Conclusion
The story of humanity’s interaction with technology is complex and multifaceted; however, as illustrated in Dr. Jane Smith’s “The Power of Technology in Education”, it is clear that when harnessed effectively, technology can drive significant positive social change. The video serves as a powerful reminder that education—augmented by technology—holds the potential to empower individuals, foster collaboration, and address societal challenges head-on. By investing in educational technology and ensuring equitable access for all, we can pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future, where every individual has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.
