The Conservative Mind by Russell Kirk - Exam
- 1. The Conservative Mind, published in 1953 by the influential American thinker Russell Kirk, is a foundational text that articulates the principles of modern conservatism, tracing its intellectual lineage from Edmund Burke and other prominent conservative figures. In this seminal work, Kirk delves into the philosophical underpinnings of conservatism, emphasizing the importance of tradition, moral order, and the significance of a limited government that respects the rights of individuals while promoting a cohesive society. He critiques the rise of liberalism and modernity, arguing that they undermine the community and moral fabric that conservatism seeks to preserve. Through a series of essays that address various conservative thinkers and their contributions to the ideological landscape, Kirk provides a comprehensive overview of the conservative perspective on social and political issues, advocating for a balance between freedom and order. The book has had a profound influence on conservative thought in the United States, encouraging a revival of classical liberal ideas and a return to the virtues of restraint, humility, and continuity in governance, making it essential reading for anyone looking to understand the evolution of conservative ideology.
Who is the author of 'The Conservative Mind'?
A) William F. Buckley Jr.
B) Russell Kirk
C) Barry Goldwater
D) Edmund Burke
- 2. What is the subtitle of 'The Conservative Mind'?
A) From Burke to Eliot
B) The Foundation of American Thought
C) A Guide to Modern Politics
D) From Adams to Reagan
- 3. Which philosopher is presented as the foundational figure for modern conservatism in Kirk's book?
A) Adam Smith
B) Edmund Burke
C) John Locke
D) Thomas Hobbes
- 4. According to Kirk, which of the following is a key conservative principle?
A) Belief in a transcendent moral order
B) The primacy of individual desire
C) The inevitability of progress
D) The necessity of radical change
- 5. Kirk identifies how many 'canons' of conservative thought?
A) Ten
B) Three
C) Five
D) Six
- 6. Which American Founding Father is extensively discussed as an early conservative?
A) John Adams
B) James Madison
C) Alexander Hamilton
D) Thomas Jefferson
- 7. Which poet does Kirk hold up as a model of conservative cultural criticism?
A) T.S. Eliot
B) Walt Whitman
C) Percy Bysshe Shelley
D) Allen Ginsberg
- 8. Kirk was a staunch defender of...
A) The New Deal
B) Manifest Destiny
C) The Welfare State
D) The Permanent Things
- 9. The book was first published in what decade?
A) 1970s
B) 1980s
C) 1930s
D) 1950s
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