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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. Which German philosopher does Rand oppose within her own philosophical theory?

2. If a person saves a stranger from a burning building at the risk of their own life, then that person is acting upon which principles?

3. According to Rand, what are ideas of mysticism and morality based upon?

4. According to Rand, what are the notions of altruist thought perpetuated by?

5. No one ever really sacrifices oneself because every direct action is motivated by a person's desire. What does Branden say about this statement?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rand say about the definition of society in her essay "The Objectivist Ethics?"

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

3. How might one find pleasure in doing productive work?

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

5. According to Branden, what are the avenues where one would find pleasure, and why can one find pleasure in such avenues?

6. Why does Rand reject the widely accepted views of morals and values in regard to human existence?

7. Explain Rand's idea of the four considerations of a rational man's thought and their function.

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

9. According to Nathaniel Branden, why is mental health needed for human life and survival?

10. What are Rand's thoughts on human error?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Ayn Rand feel a government should finance itself? What are some potential problems with Rand's proposal?

Essay Topic 2

What does Nathanial Branden mean when he discusses, "The Divine Right of Stagnation?" How is this perpetuated in society?

Essay Topic 3

Nathaniel Branden claims that moralists and mystics contribute to the destruction of one's mental health. Explain his reasoning on this topic, regarding how morality and mysticism are directly related to one's mental health. Cite examples from the text to support your response.

(see the answer keys)

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