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 dreams

Through meditation

Through cooperation

Through sympathy
2 Where do our moral sentiments ultimately come from?
God

The government

Fables

The study of other cultures
3 Smith's famous analogy of the invisible hand refers to what economic philosophy?
Communism

Free trade

The Gold Standard

Mercantilism
4 Smith's famous analogy of the invisible hand describes what happens when:
monarchs issue rash punishments to set an example.

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

the wealthy pursue their own economic interests without restriction.

people feel detached from their own sense of morality as though it were a phantom limb.
5 Which of the following is NOT inherently virtuous according to Smith?
Beneficence

Wealth

Propriety

Prudence
6 Smith's definition of custom draws on an account of cause and effect from which philosopher?
Rene Descartes

Immanuel Kant

David Hume

Plato
7 Which proof of God does Smith use to explain God's design of the universe?
The ontological argument

Argument from first cause

The watch-maker analogy

Pascale's wager
8 In what situation would someone not develop a conscience?
Only ever speaking to children

Working as a hitman

On a deserted island

After being born into luxury
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 sympathize paradoxically with people who have died.

We are conditioned by nightmares to fear death.

We are predisposed to avoid the unknown.
11 What practice does Smith believe in using in order to determine the practical rules of morality?
Meditation

Casuistry

Jurisprudence

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

Our consciences

Our egos

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

Our parents

Our close friends

Our children
14 Smith believes that fashion arises from:
the objects which have given you the most return on your investment.

whatever is most expensive at the time.

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:
justice.

humanity.

benevolence.

prudence.
16 Smith believes that factions are:
moral distortions caused by insecurity and by association with people of homogenous views.

the results of enemy rulers inspiring the people to rebel against authority.

necessary and useful parts of a modern government.

the next natural steps after abandoning one's belief in God.
17 Approbation arises from:
approval by someone in a position of power.

someone receiving money for a service rendered.

stimulating discussion with one's intellectual equal.

concord of sentiments between an observer and a moral agent.
18 Which of the following, according to Smith, is least susceptible to distortion by custom and fashion?
Customary rituals

Moral character

Aesthetic standards

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

1

2

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

Sometimes true, sometimes false

True

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

justice.

prudence.

beneficence.
22 According to Smith, it is more pleasing to rise in societal rank than it is painful to fall in societal rank.
True

Unknown or unstated

False

Sometimes true, sometimes false
23 Smith believes that universal beneficence is the responsibility of whom?
The highest ranking officials in a society

God

No one, because such beneficence is a false construct

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

Jealously

Greed

Sadness
25 Smith classifies which sentiment as a habit of the imagination?
Pain

Narcolepsy

Love

Ecstasy

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

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