The Theory of Moral Sentiments Quizzes

The Theory of Moral Sentiments Quiz 1

1 How does Smith claim that we relate to the experiences of others?
Through cooperation

Through sympathy

Through meditation

Through dreams
2 Where do our moral sentiments ultimately come from?
The study of other cultures

Fables

God

The government
3 Smith's famous analogy of the invisible hand refers to what economic philosophy?
Free trade

The Gold Standard

Communism

Mercantilism
4 Smith's famous analogy of the invisible hand describes what happens when:
people feel detached from their own sense of morality as though it were a phantom limb.

people set up social barriers between themselves and the people they resent.

the wealthy pursue their own economic interests without restriction.

monarchs issue rash punishments to set an example.
5 Which of the following is NOT inherently virtuous according to Smith?
Prudence

Propriety

Beneficence

Wealth
6 Smith's definition of custom draws on an account of cause and effect from which philosopher?
Immanuel Kant

Plato

Rene Descartes

David Hume
7 Which proof of God does Smith use to explain God's design of the universe?
Pascale's wager

Argument from first cause

The ontological argument

The watch-maker analogy
8 In what situation would someone not develop a conscience?
Only ever speaking to children

On a deserted island

After being born into luxury

Working as a hitman
9 Smith entirely disapproves of the moral system of which philosopher?
Aristotle

Dr. Mandeville

Dr. Hutcheson

Zeno
10 Why, according to Smith, do we fear death?
We fear the judgment of God.

We are conditioned by nightmares to fear death.

We are predisposed to avoid the unknown.

We sympathize paradoxically with people who have died.
11 What practice does Smith believe in using in order to determine the practical rules of morality?
Jurisprudence

Conferences between factions

Meditation

Casuistry
12 Who or what is the ultimate judge of our actions in this natural world?
Our egos

Our consciences

Clergymen

Impartial observers
13 Whom are we most inclined to have warm affections for, after ourselves?
Our parents

Our close friends

Our statesmen

Our children
14 Smith believes that fashion arises from:
whatever opposing countries currently disapprove of.

whatever the habits of people of status are at a given time.

whatever is most expensive at the time.

the objects which have given you the most return on your investment.
15 The moral principle most distinct from all others in Smith's estimation is:
justice.

prudence.

benevolence.

humanity.
16 Smith believes that factions are:
the results of enemy rulers inspiring the people to rebel against authority.

moral distortions caused by insecurity and by association with people of homogenous views.

necessary and useful parts of a modern government.

the next natural steps after abandoning one's belief in God.
17 Approbation arises from:
someone receiving money for a service rendered.

approval by someone in a position of power.

concord of sentiments between an observer and a moral agent.

stimulating discussion with one's intellectual equal.
18 Which of the following, according to Smith, is least susceptible to distortion by custom and fashion?
Moral character

Customary rituals

Natural beauty

Aesthetic standards
19 How many relevant types of sympathy are involved in judging whether an action deserves punishment?
1

3

2

4
20 According to Smith, tempering emotions and masking them are not the same thing.
Sometimes true, sometimes false

False

True

Unknown or unstated
21 The only virtue that can be enforced is:
beneficence.

prudence.

justice.

humanity.
22 According to Smith, it is more pleasing to rise in societal rank than it is painful to fall in societal rank.
Sometimes true, sometimes false

False

True

Unknown or unstated
23 Smith believes that universal beneficence is the responsibility of whom?
The highest ranking officials in a society

Everyone

No one, because such beneficence is a false construct

God
24 What principle does Smith use to account for the odd tendencies of collectors of knick-knacks?
Jealously

Sadness

Utility

Greed
25 Smith classifies which sentiment as a habit of the imagination?
Ecstasy

Narcolepsy

Love

Pain

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The Divergent Opinions of Smith and Rousseau: Natural Sociability and Criticisms of the Division of Labor

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