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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay 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 know the principles of philosophy.
(c) That they are tall.
(d) That they are a rational person.

2. What does Rawls think a person would decide about their society if they had any choice?
(a) That it be at least a wealthy society.
(b) That it be at least a beautiful land.
(c) That it would be at least a strong society.
(d) That it would be at least fair.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is another name for the Original Position?

2. Why does Utilitarian thinking not really understand the difference between persons?

3. Where did the early Intuitionists believe they got their appreciation of morals, rights and wrongs or fairness?

4. How does the ignorant chooser know what is fair and what is not, according to Rawls?

5. What is the implicit assumption that the Social Contract theory makes?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is fairness always the same as equality, according to Rawls?

2. What is the implicit argument in Social Contract Theory?

3. What, according to Rawls, are other notions of justice?

4. According to the Social Contract Theory, what does the individual willingly sacrifice, and what are they rewarded in return?

5. What problems does a just society answer, according to Rawls?

6. Why is it important that we have a Just society?

7. What is Rawls’ criticism of Utilitarianism?

8. How did John Stuart Mill seek to redefine the Utilitarian maxim?

9. What does Rawls accept would happen in the Original Position?

10. Why does Rawls prefer the Social Contract Theory?

(see the answer keys)

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