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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Introduction On Taste Part II.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Burke hope will be the result of his "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful"?
(a) Readers will leave the sciences behind in favor of imagination and passion.
(b) Readers will learn to control their passions when in specific social settings.
(c) Readers will apply principles of taste and passion to the otherwise severe sciences.
(d) Readers will be well-versed in the scientific method.

2. What example does Burke use to demonstrate that differing tastes stem from the same basic root?
(a) The comparison of two historical moments.
(b) Two different types of poetry.
(c) A comparison of two breeds of a horse.
(d) The description of pretty ladies in a drawing room.

3. Why, as Burke argues, are humans "more inclined to belief than to incredulity?"
(a) Because God is born in all of us, so we have a natural inclination to believe in him.
(b) Because belief engages the imagination pleasantly, while incredulity is naturally negative.
(c) Because believing something is easy, whereas not believing is more difficult.
(d) Because believing makes it easier to get along with others in the social-contract model of society.

4. What will be Burke's focus in "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful"?
(a) The beautiful and sublime as they appear in Milton's _Paradise Lost_.
(b) The full meanings and social impacts of the beautiful and sublime.
(c) The origins of our ideas of the beautiful and sublime.
(d) The beautiful and sublime as they relate to contemporary politics.

5. Why does Burke offer a second edition of "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful"?
(a) He realizes that he could make more money selling a second edition.
(b) He wishes to change and contradict his own views.
(c) He wishes to directly challenge the criticism of the first edition.
(d) He wishes to expand and further illustrate his theories.

Short Answer Questions

1. What problem does Burke find with merely defining a term like "taste?"

2. According to Burke, what will the result be of the long, close study of an object?

3. What, according to Burke, is responsible for common deviations in natural taste?

4. What does Burke term the "creative power" of the mind?

5. What does Burke assert is necessary for the success of "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful"?

(see the answer key)

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