Dante Alighieri is most renowned for his monumental work, "The Divine Comedy," a poem that has profoundly influenced not only literature but also Western moral philosophy. Composed in the early 14th century during the late Middle Ages, this epic journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven articulates Dante’s vision of the moral universe in which personal conduct, the nature of justice, and the relationship between sin and salvation take center stage. While we covered his biography and the basic context in our previous episode, this deep-dive will illuminate the intricate moral philosophy that pervades his work, connecting his medieval insights to contemporary ethical dilemmas.

To understand Dante’s moral vision, it is essential first to delve into the structure and themes of "The Divine Comedy." The journey begins in the dark woods of despair, symbolizing the confusion and disorientation that sin brings to human life. Guided by the Roman poet Virgil, Dante traverses the three realms of the afterlife, encountering a tapestry of historical figures, fictional characters, and allegorical beings. Through this pilgrimage, Dante elucidates not only the consequences of personal actions based on moral choices but also the dynamics of divine justice—a concept that remains crucial to moral philosophy today.