Explain why psychologists study the pursuit of happiness and subjective well-being. Consider earlier perspectives you learned about and if any theory/theories apply (e.g., personality, developmental, social, behavioral, humanistic, etc.). Explain.
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 Study of Happiness and Subjective Well-Being in Psychology: An Exploration
Introduction
The pursuit of happiness and subjective well-being has long been a topic of interest in psychology. Understanding what contributes to individuals’ happiness and overall sense of well-being is essential for psychologists as it sheds light on how people perceive and experience their lives. Various psychological perspectives, including personality, developmental, social, behavioral, and humanistic theories, offer valuable insights into the study of happiness and subjective well-being.
Thesis Statement
Psychologists study the pursuit of happiness and subjective well-being to gain a deeper understanding of what factors contribute to individuals’ overall life satisfaction and emotional well-being. Different psychological perspectives provide unique insights into this complex phenomenon.
Importance of Studying Happiness and Subjective Well-Being
The study of happiness and subjective well-being is crucial for psychologists as it allows them to explore the factors that influence individuals’ overall life satisfaction and emotional experiences. By examining the determinants of happiness, psychologists can provide valuable insights into how people can lead more fulfilling and satisfying lives.
Psychological Perspectives on Happiness
1. Personality Theory
Personality theory suggests that individual differences in personality traits play a significant role in shaping one’s happiness and subjective well-being. For example, individuals high in extraversion may derive happiness from social interactions, while those high in neuroticism may be more prone to negative emotions that affect their well-being.
2. Developmental Theory
Developmental theory emphasizes how life experiences and developmental stages can impact an individual’s happiness and well-being. For instance, research shows that individuals may experience fluctuations in happiness across different life stages, with factors such as relationships, career success, and personal growth influencing subjective well-being.
3. Social Theory
Social theory highlights the importance of social relationships and interactions in shaping individuals’ happiness and well-being. Strong social support networks, positive interpersonal relationships, and a sense of belonging can contribute significantly to subjective well-being.
4. Humanistic Theory
Humanistic theory emphasizes the role of self-actualization and personal growth in fostering happiness and well-being. According to humanistic psychologists like Maslow and Rogers, individuals who strive for personal fulfillment and authenticity are more likely to experience higher levels of subjective well-being.
Application of Psychological Theories
Each of these psychological perspectives provides a unique lens through which psychologists can study the pursuit of happiness and subjective well-being. By integrating insights from personality theory, developmental theory, social theory, and humanistic theory, researchers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors that contribute to individuals’ happiness and overall well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, psychologists study the pursuit of happiness and subjective well-being to unravel the intricate factors that shape individuals’ life satisfaction and emotional experiences. By drawing upon various psychological perspectives, researchers can offer valuable insights into how personality traits, life experiences, social relationships, and personal growth contribute to overall happiness. Through ongoing research and exploration, psychologists continue to deepen their understanding of what truly makes people happy and fulfilled in their lives.
