CASE STUDY: Albert
Albert Mitchell is a 36-year-old man who will be traveling to Dubai to give a business presentation in 3 months. Although he has traveled widely in the United States as a consultant, this is his first trip to the Middle East.
He requests information regarding immunizations needed before his trip. Albert states that as he will be in Dubai for only a few days, he is unlikely to contract a disease in such a short time and therefore believes that it is illogical to obtain immunizations.
Albert states that he has heard that the side effects of the immunizations might be worse than the diseases they prevent. He is also concerned about leaving his wife at home alone because she is 6 months pregnant.
Reflective Questions
How would you address Alberts beliefs?
What learning would be needed in each domain?
What learning theories would you consider?
How might his family concerns be addressed?
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 Importance of Immunizations for Travel to Dubai
Thesis Statement:
Travelers to Dubai, especially those like Albert Mitchell who are visiting for business purposes, should prioritize obtaining the necessary immunizations to protect themselves from potential diseases. Despite concerns about side effects and the short duration of the trip, the benefits of immunizations far outweigh the risks.
Addressing Albert’s Beliefs:
It is crucial to address Albert’s beliefs by providing him with accurate information about the importance of immunizations before traveling to Dubai. While he may only be there for a few days, certain diseases prevalent in the region can have an immediate onset. Communicating the potential risks of not being immunized and emphasizing the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing these diseases is essential.
Required Learning in Each Domain:
1. Cognitive Domain: Albert needs to understand the specific diseases prevalent in Dubai, their modes of transmission, and the importance of immunizations in preventing them.
2. Affective Domain: Albert’s fears and misconceptions about immunizations need to be addressed through open communication and education about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
3. Psychomotor Domain: If Albert decides to proceed with immunizations, he will need to learn about the process of getting vaccinated, any post-immunization care required, and how to recognize and manage any potential side effects.
Learning Theories to Consider:
1. Social Learning Theory: By providing Albert with real-life examples of individuals who have benefited from immunizations during travel, he may be more inclined to change his beliefs and behaviors.
2. Health Belief Model: Educating Albert about the perceived susceptibility and severity of diseases in Dubai, along with the benefits of immunizations, can influence his decision-making process.
3. Theory of Planned Behavior: Helping Albert understand that obtaining immunizations aligns with his business goals and ensures his own health and well-being can positively impact his intention to get vaccinated.
Addressing Family Concerns:
To address Albert’s concerns about leaving his pregnant wife at home, it is important to involve her in the decision-making process. Providing reassurance about the safety and necessity of immunizations can ease his worries. Additionally, ensuring that Albert has access to reliable communication methods while in Dubai can help him stay connected with his wife during his absence.
In conclusion, obtaining the required immunizations before traveling to Dubai is a responsible decision that can safeguard Albert’s health and well-being, as well as protect those around him. By addressing his beliefs, providing relevant education, considering learning theories, and addressing family concerns, Albert can make an informed choice that prioritizes both his professional obligations and personal responsibilities.
