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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part I.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What problem does Burke find with merely defining a term like "taste?"
(a) The process of defining the term may go on forever, and become overwhelming.
(b) People may disagree with and contest his definition.
(c) Taste is only an idea, not a reality, so it cannot be defined or described.
(d) There is a danger of confining and limiting the term to our present understanding.

2. What is the general reason Burke wrote the book, as stated in the First Preface?
(a) Burke completely disagreed with all else written on the sublime and the beautiful.
(b) Burke wanted to make money with the publication of this treatise.
(c) Burke was taking dictation on the subject from his longtime mentor.
(d) Burke was initially at a loss to coherently describe the sublime and beautiful.

3. Which method of teaching does Burke think best?
(a) Testing the learner on the subject.
(b) Referring obliquely to the subject in conversation with the learner.
(c) Allowing the learner to investigate the subject.
(d) Lecturing the learner on the subject.

4. What are sources of the "sublime?"
(a) Anything that excites terror, pain, or danger.
(b) Anything of beauty.
(c) Anything that promotes pleasure.
(d) Anything that causes the subject to think deeply.

5. What is Burke's argument for the existence of the passion of ambition?
(a) Ambition forces people to look within and question their inner selves.
(b) Ambition incites jealousy and envy, which drive people to become violent.
(c) Ambition is the manifestation of the natural hierarchy of low humans to high humans.
(d) Ambition incites in people the drive to improve and excel so society will not stagnate.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Burke want "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful" to accomplish?

2. What examples does Burke use to argue that some sights are pleasurable to all people?

3. What, according to Burke, is the cause of wrong "taste" in a person?

4. Why are certain drugs enjoyable, according to Burke?

5. What does Burke hope will be the result of his "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful"?

(see the answer key)

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