What is the value of studying the humanities in the field of health professions?
How might a topic such as art, literature, music, dance, etc. from other time periods enhance your career and personal life in the present?
Select one aspect of the humanities that is meaningful to your personal life and one for career. Explain how is each meaningful.
In addition, include a specific example of a work (a specific work of art, literature, theater, or music) that you feel is meaningful to your personal life and/or career. Explain the connection.
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 Value of Studying the Humanities in Health Professions
The study of humanities provides immense value to the field of health professions, enriching both personal and professional lives. By engaging with disciplines such as art, literature, music, and philosophy, healthcare professionals can develop a deeper understanding of human experiences, emotions, and cultural contexts. This understanding is crucial in healthcare settings, where empathy and effective communication are vital for patient care. Furthermore, exposure to diverse perspectives through the humanities fosters critical thinking, creativity, and ethical reasoning, which are essential skills in health professions.
Enhancing Career and Personal Life Through Humanities
Career Enhancement
Studying the humanities can enhance my career in health professions by improving my ability to connect with patients on a deeper level. For instance, understanding the narratives and emotions expressed in literature can help me recognize the diverse backgrounds and experiences of my patients. This awareness allows me to provide more compassionate care that respects their unique perspectives. Engaging with topics such as the history of medicine through literature can also inform my practice by highlighting past challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals.
Personal Life Enrichment
On a personal level, one aspect of the humanities that holds significant meaning for me is music. Music has always been a source of comfort and inspiration in my life. It serves as a means of expression and a way to process emotions. Whether I am listening to classical compositions or contemporary songs, music provides a backdrop for reflection and relaxation. This emotional outlet helps me manage stress and maintain a sense of balance in my life, which is crucial for sustaining well-being amidst the demands of a healthcare career.
Specific Examples of Meaningful Works
Meaningful Work for Personal Life: Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9”
A specific work of art that is particularly meaningful to my personal life is Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9.” The final movement, commonly known as “Ode to Joy,” resonates deeply with me due to its themes of unity and hope. Whenever I listen to this symphony, I am reminded of the power of resilience and the shared human experience. The uplifting nature of this piece provides solace during challenging times and inspires me to cultivate joy and positivity in my everyday life.
Meaningful Work for Career: “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot
In my professional life, a compelling piece of literature that has influenced my perspective is “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot. This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without her consent for medical research and became one of the most important tools in medicine. It raises critical ethical questions about consent, race, and the intersection of science and humanity. Reading this book has enhanced my understanding of the importance of ethical practices in healthcare and the need for culturally competent care. It reminds me to advocate for patients’ rights and encourage open communication about their treatment options.
Conclusion
In summary, studying the humanities is invaluable in the field of health professions as it enriches our understanding of human experiences and enhances our ability to provide compassionate care. The integration of art, literature, music, and other humanistic disciplines into both personal and professional realms can lead to greater empathy, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making. Music, particularly Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9,” offers personal solace and inspiration, while “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” serves as a profound reminder of the ethical responsibilities inherent in healthcare. Together, these works exemplify how the humanities can profoundly shape our lives and careers in meaningful ways.
