After reading Chapter 5, write a one-page, double-spaced paper (250 words minimum) comparing and contrasting Cognition Learning and Conditioned Learning. Discuss the role of cognition and thought in learning (cognitive learning theory, latent learning, observational learning), and consider how this approach differs from classical conditioning and operant conditioning as a learning process.
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 Role of Cognition in Learning: A Comparison between Cognitive Learning Theory and Conditioned Learning
Introduction
Learning is a complex process that involves acquiring knowledge, skills, and behaviors through experience. Two prominent theories that explain the process of learning are cognitive learning theory and conditioned learning. While both theories aim to understand how individuals acquire new information, they differ in their approach and the role of cognition and thought in the learning process. This essay will compare and contrast cognitive learning theory with conditioned learning, highlighting the significance of cognition in learning.
Cognitive Learning Theory
Cognitive learning theory emphasizes the role of mental processes such as perception, attention, memory, and problem-solving in the learning process. According to this theory, learning occurs when individuals actively process information, make connections, and construct meaning from their experiences. One key aspect of cognitive learning theory is latent learning, which suggests that learning can take place without immediate reinforcement or direct reinforcement. It implies that individuals can acquire knowledge and skills without displaying them immediately.
Observational learning is another component of cognitive learning theory. This form of learning occurs through observing others’ behaviors and consequences. Individuals learn by imitating the behaviors they observe, which can be reinforced or punished. For example, a child may observe their parent tying shoelaces and, through observation, acquire the skill without direct instruction.
Conditioned Learning
Conditioned learning, on the other hand, encompasses classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Classical conditioning involves the association of a neutral stimulus with a naturally occurring stimulus to elicit a response. Ivan Pavlov’s famous experiment with dogs exemplifies classical conditioning. By pairing a bell (neutral stimulus) with food (unconditioned stimulus), the dogs eventually associated the bell with food, causing them to salivate (conditioned response) even without food.
Operant conditioning focuses on the consequences of behavior. It suggests that individuals learn through reinforcement or punishment. Reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again, while punishment decreases it. For example, a child may be rewarded with a treat (positive reinforcement) for completing their homework on time, which encourages them to continue doing so.
The Role of Cognition and Thought in Learning
While conditioned learning primarily focuses on the association between stimuli and responses, cognitive learning theory emphasizes the active role of cognition and thought in the learning process. According to cognitive learning theory, individuals engage in mental processes such as perception, attention, memory, and problem-solving to construct knowledge and understand new information.
In cognitive learning theory, individuals are seen as active learners who actively seek out information, make connections, and apply previous knowledge to new situations. This contrasts with conditioned learning, where individuals passively respond to stimuli without actively processing or constructing knowledge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cognitive learning theory and conditioned learning offer different perspectives on how individuals acquire knowledge and skills. Cognitive learning theory emphasizes the role of cognition and thought processes in actively constructing meaning from experiences. Latent learning and observational learning are key components of this theory. In contrast, conditioned learning focuses on the association between stimuli and responses, with classical conditioning and operant conditioning as its main mechanisms. While both theories contribute to our understanding of learning, cognitive learning theory highlights the importance of cognition in actively shaping the learning process.
