What Do You Think You Know About Cynicism

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What Do You Think You Know About Cynicism - Quiz

Cynicism is an attitude or state of mind characterized by a general distrust of others’ motive. A cynic may have a general lack of faith or hope in the human species motivated by ambition. Take quiz and see if you are not a cynic


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Cynicism is a school of thought of ancient?

    • A.

      Persia

    • B.

      Egyptian

    • C.

      Babylonia

    • D.

      Greek

    Correct Answer
    D. Greek
    Explanation
    Cynicism is a school of thought that originated in ancient Greece. It was founded by Diogenes of Sinope and emphasized living a simple and virtuous life, free from material possessions and societal conventions. Cynics believed in rejecting social norms and living in accordance with nature. They were known for their skepticism towards authority and their criticism of social institutions. The philosophy of Cynicism had a significant influence on later philosophical movements, such as Stoicism.

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  • 2. 

    For the cynics, the purpose of life is to live?

    • A.

      In virtue

    • B.

      Agreement

    • C.

      With nature

    • D.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    D. All of the above
    Explanation
    The purpose of life is subjective and can vary from person to person. For cynics, the purpose of life may be to simply live and exist. They may believe that life has no inherent meaning or purpose, and that the only goal is to survive and navigate through the challenges of life. Additionally, living in accordance with nature and finding agreement with the natural world can also be seen as a purpose for some individuals. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above" as all the options mentioned can be valid explanations for the purpose of life, depending on one's perspective.

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  • 3. 

    The first philosophers to outline these themes was?

    • A.

      Plato

    • B.

      Horace

    • C.

      Dante

    • D.

      Antisthenes

    Correct Answer
    D. Antisthenes
    Explanation
    Antisthenes was one of the first philosophers to outline the themes mentioned in the question. Although Plato, Horace, and Dante were also notable philosophers, Antisthenes predates them and is recognized as one of the founders of Cynicism, a philosophical school that emphasized simplicity, self-control, and the rejection of material possessions. His teachings influenced many philosophers that followed, including Diogenes of Sinope and later Stoic philosophers. Therefore, Antisthenes is the correct answer for the question.

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  • 4. 

    The practice of cynicism dated back to?

    • A.

      4th century BC

    • B.

      6th century BC

    • C.

      7th century BC

    • D.

      5th century BC

    Correct Answer
    D. 5th century BC
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 5th century BC. The practice of cynicism can be traced back to this time period.

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  • 5. 

    Cynicism gradually declined and finally disappeared in the late?

    • A.

      7th century

    • B.

      3rd century

    • C.

      4th century

    • D.

      5th century

    Correct Answer
    D. 5th century
  • 6. 

    The name cynic derives from Ancient Greek meaning?

    • A.

      Dog-like

    • B.

      Rag

    • C.

      Wretched

    • D.

      Worth

    Correct Answer
    A. Dog-like
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Dog-like". The name cynic derives from the Ancient Greek word "kynikos", which means "dog-like". This term was used to describe a philosophical school in Ancient Greece whose members believed in living a simple and self-sufficient life, similar to how dogs live. The Cynics rejected material possessions and societal conventions, and emphasized the importance of virtue and natural living. The name "cynic" reflects their dog-like behavior and their rejection of societal norms.

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  • 7. 

    Cynicism is one of the most striking of all the?

    • A.

      Renaissance

    • B.

      Revolution

    • C.

      Hellenistic philosophy

    • D.

      None of the above

    Correct Answer
    C. Hellenistic pHilosopHy
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Hellenistic philosophy. Cynicism was a philosophical movement that emerged during the Hellenistic period in ancient Greece. It was characterized by a rejection of conventional social norms and a focus on living a simple and self-sufficient life in accordance with nature. Cynics believed that virtue and happiness could be achieved through the pursuit of wisdom and the rejection of material possessions and societal expectations. They often displayed a cynical attitude towards social conventions and criticized the hypocrisy and corruption of society. Therefore, Hellenistic philosophy is the most fitting answer as it directly relates to the concept of cynicism.

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  • 8. 

    A cynic practices shamelessness or impudence and defaces the?

    • A.

      Status quo

    • B.

      Originality

    • C.

      Nomos

    • D.

      Process

    Correct Answer
    C. Nomos
    Explanation
    A cynic practices shamelessness or impudence and defaces the "nomos". "Nomos" refers to the established customs, laws, and social order of a society. The cynic challenges and defies these norms and conventions, often through their provocative and unconventional behavior. By doing so, they aim to expose the flaws and contradictions in the existing social order and encourage critical thinking and questioning of authority. Thus, "nomos" is the most suitable answer as it represents the established order that the cynic seeks to disrupt.

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  • 9. 

    Cynic philosophy had a major impact on the?

    • A.

      Christians

    • B.

      Medieval

    • C.

      Renaissance

    • D.

      Hellenistic world

    Correct Answer
    D. Hellenistic world
    Explanation
    Cynic philosophy had a major impact on the Hellenistic world. During the Hellenistic period, which followed the conquests of Alexander the Great, Cynicism emerged as a prominent school of thought. Cynics rejected societal norms and focused on living a simple and self-sufficient life in accordance with nature. Their teachings influenced various aspects of Hellenistic society, including ethics, social conventions, and even political philosophy. Cynic philosophers like Diogenes of Sinope challenged traditional beliefs and values, advocating for personal freedom and questioning authority. Their ideas resonated with many in the Hellenistic world and left a lasting impact on the culture and intellectual climate of the time.

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  • 10. 

    Majorly, cynicism is concentrated solely on?

    • A.

      Principles

    • B.

      Moral

    • C.

      Process

    • D.

      Ethics

    Correct Answer
    D. Ethics
    Explanation
    Cynicism is primarily focused on ethics. Cynics tend to be skeptical and distrustful of moral principles, processes, and individuals' moral behavior. They question the motives and integrity behind ethical decisions and actions, often assuming that people act out of self-interest rather than genuine moral considerations. Cynicism towards ethics can stem from a belief that moral values are subjective or that ethical standards are often compromised in practice.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 18, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 23, 2018
    Quiz Created by
    Timmy198
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