Mastery Monday _Franklin Autobio_Lit3

Front

The word "temperance" derives from the Latin root *temperare*, which originally meant "to moderate." Based on this etymology, which statement best explains why temperance became associated specifically with abstaining from alcohol?

Back

The concept evolved from general moderation to specific restraint in drinking as a moral focus.

Answer explanation

The Latin root temperare originally meant "to moderate" in a general sense. Over time, as moral philosophers and religious leaders focused on specific areas where moderation was needed, alcohol consumption became a primary concern. This evolution shows how broad moral concepts can develop specific applications based on social and cultural needs.

Front

Benjamin Franklin defined frugality as "make no expense but to do good." Analyzing this definition alongside the Latin root *frugalis* meaning "economical," what does Franklin's interpretation emphasize beyond simple thrift?

Back

Purposeful resource management (i.e. don't waste things) aligned with moral values

Answer explanation

Franklin's definition "make no expense but to do good" goes beyond simple thrift or saving money. It emphasizes that spending should serve a moral purpose - doing good for others or society. This transforms frugality from mere penny-pinching into a virtue that considers the ethical impact of financial decisions.

Front

The suffix "-ity" appears in words like "felicity," "tranquility," and "chastity." What grammatical function does this suffix serve in virtue-related vocabulary?

Back

It forms abstract nouns denoting qualities or states of being.

Answer explanation

The suffix "-ity" transforms adjectives into abstract nouns that describe qualities or conditions. "Felicity" (happiness), "tranquility" (calmness), and "chastity" (purity) all represent states of being rather than actions or comparisons.

Front

If someone's behavior is described as incorrigible, what does this suggest about attempts at moral reform?

Back

The person's faults are beyond correction or improvement.

Answer explanation

When applied to behavior, it suggests that the person's faults are so deeply ingrained that reform efforts do nothing.

Front

What quality does "unremitting effort" describe in the context of industry and work ethic?

Back

Continuous, persistent effort without letup or relaxation.

Answer explanation

The word "unremitting" describes effort that never stops or relaxes - it continues

Front

How does the etymology of "contrive" illuminate the mental process of contriving a solution?

Back

It implies that problem-solving requires persistent mental friction and working through difficulties.

Answer explanation

Contriving solutions involves mental effort similar to physical friction

Front

Which scenario best demonstrates tranquility as a virtue rather than just accepting what happens without taking action? Options: Avoiding all challenging situations to maintain peace, Remaining calm and composed while actively addressing difficulties, Sleeping through important events to avoid stress, Refusing to engage with other people's problems

Back

Remaining calm and composed while actively addressing difficulties

Front

In moral philosophy, why might calling someone's concerns "trifling" be problematic for developing virtue?

Back

It may dismiss legitimate worries and show lack of empathy.

Front

The word 'industry' comes from the Latin root meaning 'to build within.' Based on this etymology, which modern meaning of 'industry' best reflects this original sense of internal construction or development?

Back

Hard work and diligence