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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is it impossible to pursue in a "non-free" society?

2. According to Rand, what people define the standards for "good" in a society?

3. Which instinct does self-sacrifice directly contradict?

4. What book did Rand write to illustrate her objectivist views by setting up a scenario where the characters protest against collectivist ideals?

5. What was Ayn Rand's last work of fiction?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rand say about an act of good will in the case of an emergency?

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

3. What commonly upheld principle does Rand deem evil in Western Society as stated in her essay on living a rational life?

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

5. What are Branden's thoughts on anxiety and guilt as stated in his essay regarding Mental Health and Mysticism?

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

7. Describe what Rand states in "The Objectivist Ethics" that philosophers and scientists have never been able to do?

8. What is the answer to the question, "How does One Lead a Rational Life in an Irrational Society?"

9. 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?

10. How must one first begin to identify what is gray, according to Ayn Rand?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is it racist to think in terms of black and white? What are the similarities between racism and thinking in terms of black and white? What are the major differences? What does Rand say about each?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Ayn Rand's philosophy on Objectivism as stated in her essay on objectivist ethics. What are the main ideas of Objectivist ethics?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Rand's thoughts about racism as well as her contrasting views of the Civil Rights Bill that was passed in 1964. How are her feelings toward both situations ironic?

(see the answer keys)

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