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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What word does Rand use in "The Cult of Moral Grayness" to describe the common trend for people to believe there are not "blacks" and "whites," only grays?
(a) Fashionable.
(b) Trendy.
(c) Conformative.
(d) Disgusting.

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

3. What notion does Branden attempt to refute in his essay, "Isn't Everyone Selfish"?
(a) That everyone is selfish.
(b) That selfishness is cruel and wrong.
(c) That not all people are selfish.
(d) That selfishness is the right way.

4. Branden's notion of pleasure being a psychological need also fits into which of his other notions?
(a) Mysticism.
(b) Morality.
(c) Mental health.
(d) Happiness.

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

6. According to Rand, a person who does not attempt to define what is right or wrong in a given situation, and acts as a mixture of the two is morally what?
(a) Black.
(b) Gray.
(c) Right.
(d) White.

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

8. Which Greek philosopher is mentioned once within the book?
(a) Nietzche.
(b) Aristotle.
(c) Descartes.
(d) Sophocles.

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

10. Finish this argument as Rand presents it: X is ___________; therefore, his argument is false.
(a) Immoral.
(b) Irrational.
(c) Rational.
(d) Too religious.

11. Which of the following is not included in the hierarchy Rand gives in the objectivist evaluation of committing an act of good will?
(a) Time.
(b) Effort.
(c) Plausibility.
(d) Money.

12. Which of the following words is not included in those Rand uses to describe desire?
(a) Feelings.
(b) Wishes.
(c) Emotions.
(d) Urges.

13. According to Branden, which word is intellectually confused with "selfishness?"
(a) Self amorous.
(b) Egoism.
(c) Conceit.
(d) Confidence.

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

15. What is the enemy of Individualism according to Rand and the objectivist theory?
(a) Altruism.
(b) Capitalism.
(c) Socialism.
(d) Mysticism.

Short Answer Questions

1. What must the goals one chooses to pursue be in order to be a rational thinker?

2. According to Branden, which concept is used by Mystics to encourage human self-sacrifice?

3. In Branden's essay on "The Psychology of Pleasure" he lists five avenues upon which ________ people find pleasure.

4. What type of scheme does Branden's essay on Mental Health versus Mysticism attempt to illustrate?

5. What year did Ayn Rand write the essay, "The Cult of Moral Grayness?"

(see the answer keys)

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