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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. Finish the sentence based upon Rand's theory: One must achieve interests by her own efforts only and not at the expense of another's ______.
(a) Achievements.
(b) Emotions.
(c) Efforts.
(d) Loss.

2. In Rand's essay, "How Does One Lead a Rational Life in an Irrational Society?" Rand states that people often dismiss evil around them out of what?
(a) Empathy.
(b) Irrationality.
(c) Fear.
(d) Ignorance.

3. If a person saves a stranger from a burning building at the risk of their own life, then that person is acting upon which principles?
(a) Altruistic.
(b) Objectivist.
(c) Compromise.
(d) Self interest.

4. What word does Rand state that philosophers substitute for God?
(a) Society.
(b) The Church.
(c) Satan.
(d) People.

5. In the act of conceding one's own reason in favor of another's, one commits an act of ______________.
(a) Self destruction.
(b) Compromise.
(c) Irrationality.
(d) Morality.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what year did Rand write the essay, "The 'Conflicts' of Men's Interests?"

2. Which instinct does self-sacrifice directly contradict?

3. At the conclusion of Rand's essay on the Objectivist ethics, what does she state is the standard value for the Objectivist?

4. Which of the following is not examined by Rand within "The Virtue of Selfishness?"

5. What must one have before being able to find meaningful relationships with others?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ayn Rand's definition of judgment?

2. How does Rand describe the objectivist's act of good will?

3. What does Rand mean when she states that one must not achieve her own interests by her own efforts only and not at the expense of others?

4. How might one find pleasure in doing productive work?

5. What is context-dropping, and who uses it?

6. Why does Rand reject the widely accepted views of morals and values in regard to human existence?

7. How does Rand define "context" in her explanation of the four considerations described?

8. According to Rand, how must people evaluate their own rational self interest in a given situation?

9. What is Branden's purpose in writing the essay, "Isn't Everyone Selfish?"

10. According to Nathaniel Branden, why is mental health needed for human life and survival?

(see the answer keys)

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