Instructions below…in this case Anthropology as Social Science Discipline has been chosen
Social Sciences, also known as “Sciences of Society”, play significant roles in social change and advancement. As a social science student, please write 4-6 pages of a reflective essay, describing which one or combination of the Social Science discipline/ disciplines in our class lecture topics piques your interest, or fascinates you? In your answer, please explain why this/these discipline/disciplines. What is the role of these/this disciplines/discipline in society? Please provide some examples in your answer.
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 Significance of Anthropology as a Social Science Discipline
Introduction
Anthropology is a multifaceted social science discipline that delves into the study of human societies, cultures, and behaviors. It is a field that captures my interest due to its unique approach in understanding the complexities of human existence. In this reflective essay, I will discuss why anthropology fascinates me, its role in society, and provide examples to illustrate its impact.
Fascination with Anthropology
Anthropology stands out to me because it offers a holistic perspective on humanity. Unlike other social sciences that may focus on specific aspects of society, anthropology encompasses various dimensions of human life, including cultural practices, belief systems, social structures, and historical developments. This comprehensive approach allows anthropologists to unravel the intricacies of human behavior and interactions in diverse contexts.
Moreover, anthropology is characterized by its emphasis on fieldwork and ethnographic research. This hands-on methodology enables researchers to immerse themselves in the communities they study, gaining unique insights that go beyond mere observation. The immersive nature of anthropology appeals to me as it fosters a deeper understanding of different cultures and fosters empathy and cultural sensitivity.
Role of Anthropology in Society
Anthropology plays a crucial role in society by promoting cultural diversity, challenging ethnocentrism, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. By studying and documenting various cultures around the world, anthropologists help preserve and celebrate the richness of human heritage. This preservation is essential in a globalized world where cultural homogenization poses a threat to traditional ways of life.
Furthermore, anthropology contributes to social change by highlighting issues of inequality, discrimination, and marginalization. Through their research, anthropologists shed light on power dynamics, social injustices, and structural inequalities that impact marginalized communities. By raising awareness of these issues, anthropology advocates for social justice and equity.
Examples of Anthropological Impact
One notable example of anthropology’s impact is its role in indigenous rights movements. Anthropologists have collaborated with indigenous communities to document their histories, languages, and cultural practices, providing evidence to support land claims and sovereignty rights. This advocacy has been instrumental in challenging colonial legacies and promoting indigenous self-determination.
Another example is the field of medical anthropology, which examines how cultural beliefs and practices influence health outcomes. By studying diverse healing traditions and healthcare systems, anthropologists have contributed valuable insights to public health policies and interventions. This interdisciplinary approach has helped address health disparities and improve healthcare delivery in multicultural societies.
In conclusion, anthropology as a social science discipline offers a profound understanding of human diversity, cultural dynamics, and societal structures. Its interdisciplinary nature, research methodologies, and commitment to social justice make it a fascinating field with significant relevance in today’s world. By embracing the principles of anthropology, we can cultivate empathy, appreciation for cultural differences, and a more inclusive society.
As we navigate the complexities of our interconnected world, the insights provided by anthropology are more relevant than ever. By embracing the principles of anthropology, we can cultivate empathy, appreciation for cultural differences, and a more inclusive society.
In this essay, I have highlighted the fascination with anthropology as a social science discipline, its role in society, and provided examples to illustrate its impact.
