IDEOLOGY

Which of the following best reflects the definition of “ideology”?

• A. A purely philosophical theory

• B. A system of beliefs, values, and ideas that influence the behavior of individuals, groups, and societies

• C. A specific political system

• D. Rules solely for religious beliefs

Answer explanation

Ideology refers to a system of beliefs, values, and ideas that influence the behavior of individuals, groups, and societies. It is not merely a philosophical theory (A) or a specific political system (C). While religious beliefs (D) may include elements of ideology, ideology is broader and not limited to religion. The correct answer is B.

The French philosopher Destutt de Tracy first defined “ideology” as:

• A. A system of religious beliefs

• B. A theory about economic production

• C. A “science of ideas” explaining social phenomena through simple laws

• D. A guiding principle for political struggles

Answer explanation

Destutt de Tracy was the first to propose the concept of “ideology,” describing it as the “science of ideas,” aiming to explain social phenomena through simple laws, akin to Newton’s work in physics. His definition was neither a system of religious beliefs (A), nor a theory of economic production (B), nor a principle for political struggles (D). The correct answer is C.

According to Marx, what is the primary contradiction of capitalism?

• A. Labor shortages and technological stagnation

• B. Overproduction and underconsumption

• C. Conflicts between political systems and cultures

• D. Resource depletion and environmental destruction

Answer explanation

Marx argued that the fundamental contradiction of capitalism lies in overproduction and underconsumption, leading to economic crises and eventually the collapse of capitalism. He did not focus on labor shortages or technological stagnation (A), political and cultural conflicts (C), or resource issues (D). The correct answer is B.

Which of the following is a major issue related to ideology in modern society?

• A. Full automation of socio-economic systems

• B. The shaping of individual needs through market economy and social media

• C. Technology replacing all forms of labor

• D. Capitalism leading to equal global resource distribution

Answer explanation

In modern society, ideology shapes individual needs through the market economy and social media, deeply influencing thoughts and behaviors. This phenomenon is more relevant to ideology than economic automation (A), technology replacing labor (C), or equal resource distribution (D). The correct answer is B.

Which of the following best reflects the impact of capitalist ideology in modern society?

• A. A balance between freedom and social justice is always maintained

• B. The market economy shapes individual needs through culture and technology

• C. Capitalism has completely eliminated social inequality

• D. Individuals have entirely escaped the constraints of social systems

Answer explanation

Capitalist ideology significantly influences the shaping of individual needs through the market economy and technological development, emphasizing consumerism. It has not achieved a balance between freedom and social justice (A), nor eliminated social inequality (C), nor liberated individuals entirely (D). The correct answer is B.