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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Branden states in his essay, "The Psychology of Pleasure" that pleasure is not a _________, but a psychological need.
(a) Luxury.
(b) Whim.
(c) Necessity.
(d) Right.

2. According to Rand, what does an act of good will require in the eyes of the objectivist?
(a) Self-sacrifice.
(b) Selfishness.
(c) Self-interest.
(d) Self-manipulation.

3. What basis are you acting on If you audition for a Broadway show, you are a poor singer, but you have always have wanted to sing?
(a) Self-interest.
(b) Need.
(c) Desire.
(d) Egoism.

4. What does Branden identify as being referred to as an "evil" by Mystics?
(a) Sloth.
(b) Greed.
(c) Pride.
(d) Envy.

5. What year did Nathaniel Branden write his essay, "Isn't Everyone Selfish?"
(a) 1962.
(b) 1963.
(c) 1964.
(d) 1961.

6. On what principle is a person who steals something they want acting on?
(a) Libertarianism.
(b) Whim.
(c) Self-interest.
(d) Rational thought.

7. Rand believes that altruism has destroyed the concept of authentic __________ among men.
(a) Friendship.
(b) Generousity.
(c) Benevolence.
(d) Companionship.

8. Rand believes that because of altruism, what is the only reason people help others?
(a) Fame.
(b) Public Recognition.
(c) Guilt.
(d) Obligation.

9. According to Rand, every interest that a person employs must be based in ________.
(a) Careful consideration.
(b) Context.
(c) Reason.
(d) Reality.

10. How does Rand define "society" in a basic sense?
(a) The most efficient way of governing the earth.
(b) A group governed by a government.
(c) A collection of individuals.
(d) The downfall of the individual.

11. In what year did Rand write the essay, "The 'Conflicts' of Men's Interests?"
(a) 1963.
(b) 1961.
(c) 1962.
(d) 1972.

12. At the conclusion of Rand's essay on the Objectivist ethics, what does she state is the standard value for the Objectivist?
(a) The society.
(b) The creation of offspring.
(c) The development of the world.
(d) Man's life.

13. What does Branden acknowledge as being one of the major causes of mental degradation?
(a) Traditional doctrines.
(b) Anxiety.
(c) Christian dogma.
(d) The government.

14. According to Rand, without these two things there can be no gray.
(a) Reason and self-interest.
(b) Black and white.
(c) Reason and rationality.
(d) Gray and white.

15. What is it impossible to pursue in a "non-free" society?
(a) Establishment.
(b) Total freedom.
(c) Rational interests.
(d) Equality.

Short Answer Questions

1. What basis are you acting on if you audition for a Broadway show, after wanting to become a singer, you are an extremely competent singer, and you have performed on stage before?

2. Which German philosopher does Rand oppose within her own philosophical theory?

3. Rand clarifies her point about compromise when she asks the question about the compromise ______ and _______ along with the question of reason versus irrationality.

4. What type of need does "mental health" fall under?

5. According to Ayn Rand, one must pass moral judgment in order to live what kind of life?

(see the answer keys)

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