Quiz: Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals

10 questions drawn at random. Score 80% for a silver medal.

1. 1. What does Kant call the hatred of reason found among those most experienced in its use?

   Misology Misanthropy Enthusiasm Scepticism
2. 2. What does Kant say about the precept “Thou shalt not lie”?

   It admits exceptions in cases of genuine distress or great danger It is a rule of prudence drawn from long experience of social life It holds for all rational beings, not only for human beings It holds only among Christians who accept the authority of Scripture
3. 3. What does Kant say even the most consummate villain wishes when shown examples of honesty and benevolence?

   To mock those who show them To see them punished as foolish That he might also possess these qualities To imitate them outwardly for advantage
4. 4. In the example of neglected talents, who does Kant say let their talents rust?

   The ancient Romans The Spartans The subjects of the Turks The South Sea islanders
5. 5. Which of these does Kant say has a market value?

   Humanity as capable of morality Benevolence from principle Skill and diligence in labour Fidelity to promises
6. 6. With what must even the Holy One of the Gospels first be compared before we recognise Him as good?

   The examples of the saints Our ideal of moral perfection The law of Moses The teaching of the Church
7. 7. When does the philanthropist’s beneficent action first have genuine moral worth?

   When his kindness is publicly praised When his sympathy for others is at its warmest and strongest When he acts without any inclination, simply from duty When helping others gives him a lasting inner joy and contentment
8. 8. Whose method does Kant invoke for directing ordinary people’s attention to the principle they already use?

   Cicero’s Socrates’ Aristotle’s Plato’s
9. 9. To what does Kant compare a good will that achieves nothing?

   A jewel that shines by its own light A lamp that keeps burning without any oil A seed that waits patiently for the spring A coin of true metal
10. 10. Into which three sciences does Kant say ancient Greek philosophy was divided?

    Metaphysics, politics and rhetoric Physics, ethics and logic Mathematics, physics and theology Logic, aesthetics and ethics