What are the main causes of anxiety disorders in society?
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
Title: Unraveling the Main Causes of Anxiety Disorders in Society
Introduction:
Anxiety disorders have become increasingly prevalent in modern society, impacting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Understanding the underlying causes of anxiety disorders is crucial for effective prevention, treatment, and support. This essay aims to explore the main causes contributing to anxiety disorders in society, shedding light on both genetic and environmental factors that play a significant role in their development.
Thesis Statement:
Anxiety disorders in society are influenced by a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and individual experiences, highlighting the complex nature of their etiology.
Body:
Genetic Predisposition:
Research suggests that individuals may inherit a genetic predisposition to anxiety disorders. Studies involving twins and family pedigrees have shown that certain genetic variations can increase susceptibility to anxiety. However, it is important to note that genetics alone do not determine the development of anxiety disorders, but rather interact with other factors.
Environmental Factors:
a) Early Life Experiences: Adverse childhood experiences, such as trauma, abuse, neglect, or unstable family environments, can significantly contribute to the development of anxiety disorders later in life. These experiences can shape neural pathways, affect coping mechanisms, and influence an individual’s perception of safety and security.
b) Stressful Life Events: Experiencing significant life stressors like job loss, financial difficulties, relationship problems, or major life transitions can trigger or exacerbate anxiety disorders. Prolonged exposure to chronic stress can dysregulate the body’s stress response system, leading to an increased vulnerability to anxiety.
c) Environmental Factors: Certain environmental factors, such as living in high-crime neighborhoods, exposure to violence, or societal pressures, can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. The constant presence of perceived threats or an overwhelming sense of societal expectations can heighten anxiety levels.
Individual Factors:
a) Cognitive Factors: Individuals with certain cognitive tendencies, such as a tendency towards negative thinking patterns or excessive worry, may be more prone to developing anxiety disorders. These cognitive biases can perpetuate anxious thoughts and behaviors.
b) Personality Traits: Certain personality traits, such as neuroticism or a propensity towards perfectionism, have been associated with an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders. These traits may influence how individuals process and respond to stressors.
c) Coping Mechanisms: Ineffective or maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as avoidance or substance use, can contribute to the maintenance or worsening of anxiety disorders. Inadequate coping skills can hinder individuals from effectively managing stress and anxiety.
Conclusion:
Anxiety disorders in society are influenced by a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and individual characteristics. While genetic factors may contribute to susceptibility, environmental influences, including adverse experiences and stressful life events, play a significant role in triggering or exacerbating anxiety disorders. Individual factors such as cognitive tendencies, personality traits, and coping mechanisms also contribute to the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of these causes is essential for implementing effective prevention strategies, providing appropriate support, and tailoring treatment approaches to address the diverse needs of individuals experiencing anxiety disorders in society.
