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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. According to Branden, what determines a person's individual pleasures?
(a) Desires.
(b) Mysticism.
(c) Values.
(d) Whim.

3. Which of the following does not fall into the category of what Branden would consider a proper avenue for seeking pleasure?
(a) Painting.
(b) Writing a song.
(c) Working on a project.
(d) Watching television.

4. 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) Ignorance.
(c) Fear.
(d) Irrationality.

5. According to Rand, what type of principles have ruled Western Society for years?
(a) Egotistical.
(b) Christian.
(c) Irrational.
(d) Judeo-Christian.

6. Complete the sentence: In order to act in self interest, man must refuse to sacrifice a ________ value for a _______ one.
(a) Higher, lower.
(b) Better, worse.
(c) Worse, better.
(d) Lower, higher.

7. Who is the noble, true, infallible judge in Western society, according to Rand?
(a) God.
(b) The President.
(c) Religious leaders.
(d) Jesus Christ.

8. 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) Emotions.
(b) Efforts.
(c) Loss.
(d) Achievements.

9. According to the principles of selfishness, what would be the correct route for convincing an employer that you are the proper candidate for a job?
(a) Flatter your prospective employer.
(b) Tell the employer of your competitor's incompetence.
(c) Only apply for a job in which you are extremely over-qualified.
(d) Explain your competence.

10. According to Rand, what term is used to describe a method in which one refuses to base his or her interests on context?
(a) Context-popping.
(b) Elimination of context.
(c) A drop-key.
(d) Context-dropping.

11. According to Rand, what are the notions of altruist thought perpetuated by?
(a) Philosophers.
(b) Morality and mysticism.
(c) Religion.
(d) Whim.

12. Complete the sentence. A _________ person's desire for pleasure is the desire to escape reality.
(a) Rational.
(b) Selfish.
(c) Neurotic.
(d) Irrational.

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

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

15. In what year did Ayn Rand write, "How Does One Lead a Rational Life in an Irrational Society?"
(a) 1962.
(b) 1963.
(c) 1964.
(d) 1961.

Short Answer Questions

1. What type of tools must one use in a real life situation?

2. According to Rand, what does an act of good will require in the eyes of an altruist?

3. Finish this argument as Rand presents it: X is ___________; therefore, his argument is false.

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

5. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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