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 meditation

Through cooperation

Through sympathy

Through dreams
2 Where do our moral sentiments ultimately come from?
The government

The study of other cultures

Fables

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

Communism

The Gold Standard

Mercantilism
4 Smith's famous analogy of the invisible hand describes what happens when:
the wealthy pursue their own economic interests without restriction.

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

people feel detached from their own sense of morality as though it were a phantom limb.

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?
Plato

David Hume

Rene Descartes

Immanuel Kant
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?
Working as a hitman

After being born into luxury

Only ever speaking to children

On a deserted island
9 Smith entirely disapproves of the moral system of which philosopher?
Aristotle

Dr. Mandeville

Zeno

Dr. Hutcheson
10 Why, according to Smith, do we fear death?
We are conditioned by nightmares to fear death.

We sympathize paradoxically with people who have died.

We are predisposed to avoid the unknown.

We fear the judgment of God.
11 What practice does Smith believe in using in order to determine the practical rules of morality?
Casuistry

Meditation

Jurisprudence

Conferences between factions
12 Who or what is the ultimate judge of our actions in this natural world?
Our consciences

Our egos

Clergymen

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

Our parents

Our children

Our close friends
14 Smith believes that fashion arises from:
whatever is most expensive at the time.

the objects which have given you the most return on your investment.

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

whatever opposing countries currently disapprove of.
15 The moral principle most distinct from all others in Smith's estimation is:
benevolence.

justice.

prudence.

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

the next natural steps after abandoning one's belief in God.

necessary and useful parts of a modern government.

moral distortions caused by insecurity and by association with people of homogenous views.
17 Approbation arises from:
approval by someone in a position of power.

stimulating discussion with one's intellectual equal.

concord of sentiments between an observer and a moral agent.

someone receiving money for a service rendered.
18 Which of the following, according to Smith, is least susceptible to distortion by custom and fashion?
Aesthetic standards

Natural beauty

Moral character

Customary rituals
19 How many relevant types of sympathy are involved in judging whether an action deserves punishment?
3

2

1

4
20 According to Smith, tempering emotions and masking them are not the same thing.
False

True

Unknown or unstated

Sometimes true, sometimes false
21 The only virtue that can be enforced is:
prudence.

beneficence.

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?
No one, because such beneficence is a false construct

God

The highest ranking officials in a society

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

Greed

Sadness

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

Narcolepsy

Love

Pain

The Theory of Moral Sentiments Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Theory of Moral Sentiments is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Ask Your Own Question

Study Guide for The Theory of Moral Sentiments

The Theory of Moral Sentiments study guide contains a biography of Adam Smith, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Read the Study Guide for The Theory of Moral Sentiments…

Essays for The Theory of Moral Sentiments

The Theory of Moral Sentiments essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith.

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

Wikipedia Entries for The Theory of Moral Sentiments

Introduction

View Wikipedia Entries for The Theory of Moral Sentiments…