Do We Really Need Government in the 21st Century?
In a paper of 500-750 words, discuss anarchism.
1. Define anarchism.
2. Considering the technological advancement of society, do we really need government given our global interconnectedness?
3.If we are not ready for anarchism, will technology and globalization set us free from the need for government eventually
locate two to three peer-reviewed sources in support of your content.
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 Relevance of Government in the 21st Century: An Examination of Anarchism
Introduction
In the 21st century, with the rapid advancement of technology and globalization, the question arises as to whether we still need government. Anarchism, as a political philosophy, challenges the necessity of a governing authority. This essay aims to define anarchism, analyze its relevance in our interconnected world, and explore whether technology and globalization will eventually render government unnecessary.
1. Definition of Anarchism
Anarchism is a political ideology that advocates for the abolition of all forms of hierarchical authority, including government. Anarchists believe in the voluntary cooperation and association of individuals without the need for a centralized authority to enforce rules and regulations. They argue for a society based on mutual aid, voluntary cooperation, and direct democracy.
2. The Relevance of Government in a Technologically Advanced Society
In a technologically advanced society, the question arises as to whether we still need government to maintain order and provide essential services. Proponents of anarchism argue that technology has enabled greater connectivity and communication among individuals, making it possible for decentralized systems to manage societal affairs. They assert that individuals can self-organize and make collective decisions through horizontal networks facilitated by technology.
However, it is essential to recognize that despite technological advancements, societal challenges remain complex. Government plays a crucial role in addressing issues such as public health, environmental protection, and social welfare. It provides a framework for creating and enforcing laws, ensuring stability, and resolving conflicts. Moreover, governments often serve as a platform for representing diverse voices within a society.
3. Technology, Globalization, and the Future of Government
While technology and globalization have undoubtedly transformed society, it is unlikely that they will completely eliminate the need for government in the foreseeable future. These factors have facilitated global interconnectedness, allowing for the exchange of ideas, goods, and services across borders. However, they have also given rise to new challenges that require collective solutions.
For instance, issues like climate change, cybercrime, and economic inequality necessitate coordinated efforts at a global scale. Addressing these challenges effectively requires institutions capable of formulating and implementing policies that transcend national boundaries. While technology facilitates collaboration, it does not provide the normative framework required to address complex global problems.
Moreover, the reliance on technology itself raises concerns regarding privacy, security, and governance. Governments play a crucial role in regulating technology to protect individuals’ rights and ensure ethical practices. They establish laws and regulations to safeguard citizens from abuses while fostering innovation and economic growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, anarchism offers an alternative perspective on the necessity of government in the 21st century. While technological advancements and globalization have reshaped our society, government remains essential for maintaining order and addressing complex challenges. While technology enables greater connectivity and decentralized decision-making, it does not replace the need for governance structures that can address collective issues effectively.
As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, it is crucial to recognize the value of government in providing stability, protecting individual rights, and promoting collective well-being. Rather than rendering government obsolete, technology and globalization present opportunities for governments to adapt and evolve in response to new demands and realities.
References
Bookchin, M. (1982). The Ecology of Freedom: The Emergence and Dissolution of Hierarchy. Cheshire Books.
Graeber, D. (2004). Fragments of an Anarchist Anthropology. Prickly Paradigm Press.
Brown, L. S., & Swanson, D. L. (2010). Anarchism as a Political Philosophy of Existential Individualism: Implications for Feminist Theory. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 50(2), 196-214.
