Lots of 'Isms' Trivia Quiz

Answer: Logical Positivism

Founded by M. Schlick, this little group of philosophers proposed that only those statements that could be proved through logic and/or mathematics were of meaning, which ruled out such things as religion and ethics. Needless to say, their movement died out after a couple of decades...people need illogic in their lives!

Answer: Monasticism

St. Anthony was the earliest of the Christian hermits. He lived alone in a hut for 15 years, and then in the desert for another 20. Great example for future monks and hermits!

Answer: Mesmerism

Mesmer was an early practicioner of another 'ism' as well...that being charlatanism!

Answer: Wesley

John Wesley founded Methodism in 1738 following a visit to Georgia, the British colony in America, where he observed the religious practices of the Moravians.

Answer: Deism

Just think of God as an absentee parent, perhaps a deadbeat dad, and you get the idea. Of course, most Christians find the idea of Deism to be anathema to their belief system, as do practioners of other world religions who prefer to believe that their deity takes an active approach.

Answer: Stoicism

Zeno was the founder of stoicism, while Epictetus was a slave of Roman times, but a strong adherent to stoic ideals.

Answer: Pragmatism

William James was a psychologist and brother to Henry James, the novelist. William's books include 'Principles of Psychology' and 'The Will to Believe'. Very practical titles, I must say!

Answer: Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism is an ancient religion of Persia. The founding of this religion is assigned to Zoroaster (Zarathustra) but the tenets of the religion are probably even more ancient. The holy book of the Zoroastrians is called the Zend Avesta, and like the Christians, the Zoroastrians believe that there is a supernatural conflict between good and evil forces, personified by Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu (similar to God and the Devil).

Answer: Jeremy Bentham

His attitude was that we should strive for, in all legislation, 'the greatest happiness for the greatest number'. John Stuart Mill's father was a friend of Bentham, and Mill took up the banner of this idea system following Bentham. Bentham was, in turn, influenced by Beccaria, who gave him the notion of 'the greatest happiness of the greatest number'. Vico was in no way involved with the ideas of Utilitarianism...but I love his name!

Answer: Chauvinism

Chauvinism is correct, the other three words are made up. Chauvinism is named for Nicholas Chauvin, a French politician who was excessively devoted to Napoleon. In the modern sense, we use chauvinism to imply a sense of superiority towards the opposite sex. Thank you for attempting this quiz, I certainly hope you are not suffering from 'ism' fatigue...cheers!