How YOU think we can tell the difference between what is just and what is unjust laws.
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
Unveiling the Thin Line: Distinguishing Between Just and Unjust Laws
In the realm of governance, laws stand as the pillars that uphold order and justice in society. However, the question arises – how do we discern between just and unjust laws? This inquiry delves into the core of morality, ethics, and societal norms, challenging individuals to evaluate the righteousness of legislative mandates. By examining historical precedents, philosophical perspectives, and contemporary examples, we can unravel the intricate fabric of just and unjust laws.
Understanding the Essence of Justice
Justice, a concept deeply embedded in human civilization, serves as the bedrock of legal systems worldwide. Just laws are characterized by their adherence to moral principles, equality, and the protection of individual rights. They promote fairness, equity, and social harmony, reflecting the collective conscience of a society. In essence, just laws aim to foster a balanced coexistence where rights are respected, and injustices are rectified.
The Litmus Test: Principles for Distinguishing Just from Unjust Laws
1. Alignment with Fundamental Rights
Just laws are rooted in the protection of fundamental human rights, such as freedom of speech, equality before the law, and the right to life. Laws that uphold these rights contribute to a just society by safeguarding individual liberties and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.
2. Ethical Consistency
Ethical principles play a pivotal role in distinguishing between just and unjust laws. Laws that adhere to ethical standards, promote moral values, and respect human dignity are more likely to be considered just. Conversely, laws that condone discrimination, oppression, or violate basic human rights are deemed unjust.
3. Social Impact and Equality
Just laws strive to promote social welfare and equality among all members of society. They aim to bridge disparities, address systemic injustices, and create a level playing field for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Laws that perpetuate inequality, marginalize certain groups, or engender societal divisions are regarded as unjust.
4. Democratic Legitimacy
The legitimacy of laws is closely tied to democratic principles and public participation. Just laws are enacted through transparent processes, with input from the populace and adherence to democratic norms. Laws imposed without due process, infringing upon democratic values, or serving the interests of a select few are considered unjust.
Case Studies: Unveiling the Nuances of Just and Unjust Laws
1. Civil Rights Movement in the U.S.
The Civil Rights Movement in the United States serves as a poignant example of challenging unjust laws. Through nonviolent protests, legal challenges, and advocacy efforts, activists fought against segregation laws that perpetuated racial discrimination. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 stands as a testament to the power of just laws in dismantling systemic injustices and advancing equality for all citizens.
2. Marriage Equality Worldwide
The global movement for marriage equality highlights the evolution towards just laws that recognize the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Legalizing same-sex marriage in various countries signifies a shift towards inclusivity, acceptance, and equal treatment under the law. These legislative changes reflect society’s progression towards embracing diversity and upholding the principles of justice for all.
Conclusion: Upholding Justice Through Discernment
In conclusion, the distinction between just and unjust laws rests on a multifaceted analysis of moral values, ethical considerations, and societal impacts. By evaluating laws through the lenses of fundamental rights, ethical consistency, social equality, and democratic legitimacy, individuals can discern the righteousness of legislative measures. Through historical insights and contemporary examples, we illuminate the path towards a more just and equitable society where laws uphold fairness, equality, and justice for all. As guardians of justice, let us uphold the principles of righteousness in shaping our legal frameworks and fostering a more just world for future generations.
