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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the chapter “The Original Position,” what does Rawls say must be assumed about the person?
(a) That they are wealthy.
(b) That they are tall.
(c) That they know the principles of philosophy.
(d) That they are a rational person.

2. Why is the argument called the Original Position?
(a) Because it was the first argument Rawls thought of.
(b) Because it is about the first thing that a person sees when they wake up.
(c) Because it comes before everything else.
(d) Because it was a very early argument that Rawls revived.

3. What is the essential problem of Intuitionism?
(a) It makes defending one’s country more difficult.
(b) It doesn't support a healthy economy.
(c) Many philosophers don't agree with it.
(d) Some people do not seem to act with a natural morality.

4. What does the Individual lose from the Social Contract?
(a) All their freedoms.
(b) The right to defend themselves.
(c) The right to own property.
(d) Complete freedom.

5. What is John Stuart Mill's Theory of Higher Pleasures?
(a) The belief that one should spend the most money on the finest things in life.
(b) The belief that going to church is the highest form of pleasure.
(c) The belief that intellectualism, refinement and poetry are better pleasures that dancing, lust or wealth.
(d) The belief that feelings are better pleasures than stability, wealth or objects.

6. What is the Veil of Ignorance in Rawls' argument?
(a) A metaphor for a different type of belief.
(b) A garment worn by politicians.
(c) A metaphor to describe different types of citizens.
(d) A metaphor for not being able to tell what kind of society one will later be in.

7. Why does Utilitarian thinking not really understand the difference between persons?
(a) That different people’s situations mean different levels of happiness, contentment or suffering.
(b) Utilitarianism is never applied to the individual.
(c) Utilitarianism is never applied to the society.
(d) It perceives persons only as voters.

8. What does Rawls believe is the dominant theory of political philosophy throughout the 20th Century?
(a) Ontology.
(b) Socialism.
(c) Utilitarianism.
(d) Republicanism.

9. What is the first virtue of social institution, according to Rawls?
(a) Justice.
(b) Militarism.
(c) Strength.
(d) Wealth.

10. Whom of the following was a leading 'Intuitionist'?
(a) Socrates.
(b) J.S. Mill.
(c) John Hurt.
(d) John Locke.

11. Which century was Intuitionism first developed?
(a) Sixteenth.
(b) Seventeenth.
(c) Eighteenth.
(d) Fifteenth.

12. Who should hold the greatest advantage in Rawls’ ideal society?
(a) The rich.
(b) The royals.
(c) No one.
(d) The poor.

13. What does Rawls claim about the Social Contract theory?
(a) It is better than Marxism.
(b) It is better than Utilitarian theory.
(c) It is ridiculous.
(d) It is the only philosophy that makes sense.

14. What does Rawls want his theory of justice to be?
(a) Something to remember.
(b) Something to destroy the theories of Utilitarianism.
(c) The dominant political view.
(d) A viable alternative to other theories.

15. What is the maxim of Utilitarian philosophy?
(a) The greatest good for the greatest number.
(b) The greatest good to the deserving.
(c) The greatest good to the wealthiest.
(d) Might makes right.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the greatest criticism levelled against Utilitarianism?

2. What do Intuitionist' believe in?

3. What defines a good society, according to Rawls?

4. Who was the father of Utilitarianism?

5. What branch of philosophy is this book concerned with?

(see the answer keys)

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