Analyze and evaluate theories and information about human development to understand the development over the life course of an older adult. (5-6 pages)
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
Understanding the Development over the Life Course of an Older Adult
Introduction
The process of human development is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon that occurs over the course of an individual’s life. One stage of development that requires careful analysis and evaluation is that of older adulthood. As individuals age, they go through various physical, cognitive, and socioemotional changes that impact their overall well-being. This essay aims to analyze and evaluate theories and information about human development, specifically focusing on the development of older adults.
Physical Development
Physical development in older adulthood is characterized by a decline in bodily functions and an increased vulnerability to diseases. According to the theory of gerotranscendence proposed by Lars Tornstam, individuals in later life experience a shift in their perspective on life, prioritizing personal growth and self-reflection over materialistic pursuits. This theory suggests that older adults are more likely to prioritize their physical health and engage in healthy behaviors such as regular exercise and proper nutrition.
However, it is important to note that physical decline is inevitable in older adulthood. The aging process affects various bodily systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and sensory systems. These changes can lead to decreased mobility, increased risk of falls, and sensory impairments such as hearing loss and vision problems. Despite these challenges, older adults can maintain physical well-being through regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and regular health check-ups.
Cognitive Development
Cognitive development in older adulthood has been a topic of extensive research and debate. Theories such as Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory propose that individuals in later life face the developmental task of integrity versus despair. This stage involves reflecting on one’s life and accepting its successes and failures. Older adults who successfully navigate this stage develop a sense of wisdom and satisfaction.
However, cognitive decline is a common concern in older adulthood. Age-related cognitive changes include a decline in processing speed, working memory, and attention span. This decline is often attributed to normal aging rather than pathological conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to distinguish between normal age-related cognitive changes and cognitive impairment to ensure appropriate support and interventions for older adults.
Socioemotional Development
Socioemotional development in older adulthood is influenced by various factors, including social networks, relationships, and retirement. The socioemotional selectivity theory proposed by Laura Carstensen suggests that as individuals age, they become more selective in their social interactions, focusing on maintaining close relationships with family and close friends.
Retirement is a significant life event that impacts socioemotional development in older adulthood. While retirement can provide newfound freedom and leisure time, it can also lead to a loss of identity and social connections tied to work. Adjusting to retirement requires individuals to find new sources of meaning and purpose in life. Engaging in activities such as volunteering or pursuing hobbies can contribute to a sense of fulfillment in later life.
Conclusion
Understanding the development over the life course of an older adult is crucial for providing appropriate support and interventions to promote their overall well-being. Physical, cognitive, and socioemotional changes are inevitable in older adulthood, but they can be managed through healthy behaviors, cognitive stimulation, and maintaining social connections. By analyzing and evaluating theories and information about human development, we gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with aging. It is essential to recognize the diversity among older adults and tailor interventions to meet their unique needs.
