Humanism 2

Which of the following best reflects the primary focus of humanism as a worldview?

• A focus on obedience to religious teachings to ensure moral development and social stability.

• An emphasis on human value, dignity, and agency through the use of reason and evidence.

• A reliance on collective rituals and inherited customs as the foundation for ethical decisions.

• A belief in the supernatural realm to explain human purpose and legitimate power structures.

In humanist thought, how is the concept of authority typically understood?

• Authority is justified when it is derived from supernatural command and unchangeable tradition.

• Authority is legitimised through rational principles, open discussion, and individual participation.

• Authority must remain unquestioned to preserve the unity and purity of community beliefs.

• Authority is valid only when exercised by those with hereditary or institutional religious rights.

Which statement most accurately describes the historical origins of humanist thought?

• It originated solely in the Enlightenment from French philosophers who rejected all tradition.

• Its roots trace to classical thinkers like Protagoras who emphasised human-centered reasoning.

• It was first developed in the 20th century as a direct reaction against industrialisation.

• It emerged exclusively from religious reformers seeking to reinterpret certain sacred texts.

Which of the following best illustrates the humanist concept of 'agency'?

• The quality reserved for those in authority who determine the values of other people.

• The capacity and responsibility of each person to shape their own life through reason.

• The influence of supernatural forces guiding human choices toward a predetermined purpose.

• The passive acceptance of social rules handed down from previous generations.

Why is Lorenzo Valla’s critique of the 'Donation of Constantine' significant to humanism?

• He invented the printing press, which helped distribute humanist texts throughout Europe.

• He showed that authority could be challenged through evidence and rational inquiry.

• His work focused on translating religious documents into more accessible languages.

• He founded the first secular university, creating a new space for non-religious education.

How does 'continuity and change' apply to the development of humanism?

• Humanism remains completely unchanged, preserving its ancient doctrines without adaptation.

• Humanism evolves by adapting its priorities in response to new intellectual challenges.

• Humanism opposes all forms of tradition, seeking to eliminate any influence from the past.

• Humanism rejects the need for change, focusing solely on defending historical practices.

Which statement best describes the humanist approach to morality?

• Moral values are derived from supernatural revelation and enforced by religious institutions.

• Morality emerges from human needs and requires reflection on the consequences of actions.

• Morality is entirely relative, so there can be no universal ethical standards for behaviour.

• Morality is ultimately unknowable, so individuals should avoid making ethical judgments.

How did Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire influence modern humanism?

• They advocated for strict adherence to absolute monarchy and the rejection of democracy.

• They promoted reason and tolerance, expanding humanist ideals into political realms.

• They insisted that only religious leaders could interpret moral truths and guide society.

• They discouraged scientific inquiry in favor of reliance on national myths and legends.

Which view of 'institutional power' is most consistent with humanist principles?

• Institutional power should be centralised in a religious elite to maintain social cohesion.

• Institutional power is best exercised through open, participatory, and questionable structures.

• Institutional power is illegitimate unless it is based on ancient and enforced traditions.

• Institutional power must be hidden from public view to protect the authority of leaders.

Which scenario best demonstrates the humanist principle of self-direction?

• A government enforces a single moral code based on traditional religious texts.

• An individual evaluates ethical perspectives to make choices based on reason.

• A community requires absolute conformity to ancestral customs and practices.

• A society discourages questioning of authority, insisting that leaders are always right.