MH Religious Studies and Ethics 2

Question 1

Max Weber's 'The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism' (1905) argues that Calvinist theology contributed to capitalism by promoting:

Accepted Answer

Worldly asceticism and the calling to work diligently

Answer

Weber argued that Calvinist ideas of predestination led believers to seek signs of divine favor through disciplined work and reinvestment of profit, fostering capitalist values.

Question 2

In virtue ethics, as developed by Aristotle, 'eudaimonia' is best translated as:

Accepted Answer

Flourishing or well-being

Answer

Aristotle defined eudaimonia as the highest human good — a state of flourishing achieved through the exercise of virtue and reason over a lifetime.

Question 3

The concept of 'dharma' in Hinduism most broadly refers to:

Accepted Answer

Cosmic order, duty, and righteous conduct

Answer

Dharma encompasses the cosmic order sustaining the universe and the individual duties and ethical conduct appropriate to one's station in life.

Question 4

In John Rawls' 'A Theory of Justice' (1971), the 'veil of ignorance' is a thought experiment that asks individuals to:

Accepted Answer

Design society without knowing their own place in it

Answer

Behind the 'veil of ignorance,' individuals do not know their social position, class, or natural abilities, ensuring they choose principles of justice impartially.

Question 5

The distinction between 'emic' and 'etic' perspectives in religious studies refers to:

Accepted Answer

Insider versus outsider viewpoints on a religious tradition

Answer

An emic perspective describes religion from the insider's viewpoint using the tradition's own categories, while an etic perspective uses external, analytical frameworks.

MH - Master of Humanities Practice Test

MH - Master of Humanities Practice Test

MH Religious Studies and Ethics 2