Discuss ethics and its importance to you being a student, a daughter or son and as a citizen of the phi;ippines
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 Ethics in Education, Family, and Citizenship in the Philippines
Ethics play a fundamental role in shaping individuals’ behaviors and decisions in various aspects of life. As a student, a daughter or son, and a citizen of the Philippines, understanding and upholding ethical principles are crucial for personal development, maintaining healthy relationships, and contributing positively to society.
Importance of Ethics in Education
In the realm of education, ethics serve as the guiding principles that promote academic integrity, honesty, and fairness. As a student, it is essential to adhere to ethical standards by avoiding plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty. Upholding ethical behavior in education not only fosters a sense of personal responsibility but also contributes to creating a culture of trust and respect among peers and educators.
Moreover, practicing ethics in education builds a foundation for lifelong learning and critical thinking. By engaging in ethical decision-making processes, students develop the ability to analyze complex situations, consider different viewpoints, and make informed choices. These skills are invaluable not only in academic settings but also in professional careers and everyday life.
Ethics in Family Relationships
Within the family unit, ethics play a crucial role in nurturing strong bonds, mutual respect, and trust among family members. As a daughter or son, it is important to embody ethical values such as honesty, loyalty, and compassion in interactions with parents, siblings, and relatives. Respect for one’s elders, honoring family traditions, and supporting each other through challenges are all aspects of ethical behavior within a family structure.
Furthermore, ethical conduct in family relationships fosters a sense of belonging and emotional well-being. By prioritizing open communication, understanding individual differences, and resolving conflicts peacefully, family members create a supportive environment where love and unity prevail. Upholding ethical values within the family not only strengthens interpersonal connections but also instills moral principles that guide behavior outside the home.
Ethics as a Citizen of the Philippines
As a citizen of the Philippines, embracing ethics is essential for promoting social responsibility, justice, and good governance. Upholding ethical standards in civic engagement involves respecting the rule of law, advocating for human rights, and participating actively in community development initiatives. By adhering to ethical principles in public life, citizens contribute to building a just and inclusive society where everyone’s rights and dignity are protected.
Moreover, ethical citizenship entails promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in both public and private spheres. By combatting corruption, promoting fairness in decision-making processes, and upholding the common good, citizens play a vital role in fostering a culture of ethical governance and sustainable development. Embracing ethical values as a citizen of the Philippines empowers individuals to be agents of positive change and catalysts for societal progress.
In conclusion, ethics are integral to personal growth, harmonious relationships, and civic engagement across various facets of life. As a student, a daughter or son, and a citizen of the Philippines, upholding ethical principles is not only a moral obligation but also a pathway to individual fulfillment and collective well-being. By embodying values such as integrity, respect, and social responsibility, individuals contribute to building a more ethical, compassionate, and prosperous society for present and future generations.
