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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Original Position.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does the ignorant chooser know what is fair and what is not, according to Rawls?
(a) Because the monarch told them so.
(b) Because they are taught what to believe.
(c) Because of an innate knowledge of fairness.
(d) Because God told them so.

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

3. 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 would be at least a strong society.
(c) That it would be at least fair.
(d) That it be at least a beautiful land.

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

5. What is the greatest criticism levelled against Utilitarianism?
(a) That majority views are ignored.
(b) It's not realistic.
(c) It is not strong enough.
(d) That minority views are ignored.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the Individual gain out of the Social Contract?

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

3. What is another name for the Original Position?

4. In the chapter “The Original Position,” what does Rawls say must be assumed about the person?

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

(see the answer key)

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