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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Great Branches of Learning.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Wilson mean by the Ionian Enchantment'?
(a) Belief in a transcendent spirit.
(b) Belief in a historical process.
(c) Belief in the multiplicity of forms.
(d) Belief in the unity of species.

2. Where do government policies typically originate, in Wilson's account?
(a) In majority rule.
(b) In experts in each field or region.
(c) In politicians' thinking.
(d) In popular consensus.

3. What does Wilson use the discussion of the unity of species to prepare for?
(a) A discussion of the conscience and society.
(b) A discussion of the equality of genders.
(c) A discussion of the inevitability of progress.
(d) A discussion of the unity of sciences.

4. What subject would Wilson like to see more of in undergraduate education?
(a) Philosophy.
(b) Sciences.
(c) Humanities.
(d) Arts.

5. What effect does Wilson say evolution had?
(a) It changed the social order among men.
(b) It changed the classification of animals.
(c) It ended the importance of religion.
(d) It revealed the mechanism of God's working.

Short Answer Questions

1. What two fields did Wilson connect in his theory of unified learning?

2. What is the relationship between politicians and intellectuals, in Wilson's account?

3. What does Wilson say he was searching for as a young man?

4. What does Wilson say evidence from the natural sciences says about Enlightenment thinkers?

5. What is Wilson ultimately interested in producing with consilience?

(see the answer key)

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