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Quiz: Intellectual Virtues and Vices

Test your knowledge of intellectual virtues and vices with this quiz.

Questions:​

  1. Which intellectual virtue describes the ability to think independently and to form one's own judgements, rather than relying uncritically on authorities? a) Intellectual curiosity b) Intellectual humility c) Intellectual autonomy d) Intellectual integrity
  1. Which intellectual vice shows itself when someone prematurely oversimplifies complex problems in order to obtain quick answers? a) Intellectual arrogance b) Intellectual impatience c) Intellectual cowardice d) Intellectual egocentrism
  1. What does the term "epoché" denote in the context of critical thinking? a) The ability to solve complex problems b) The suspension of judgement and openness towards various possibilities c) The willingness to pursue unpopular ideas d) The commitment to intellectual honesty
  1. Which of the following is a difference between productive and unproductive doubt? a) Productive doubt is general and indiscriminate, unproductive doubt is specific and targeted b) Productive doubt leads to further investigation, unproductive doubt leads to intellectual paralysis c) Productive doubt is resistant to any conviction, unproductive doubt is open to being convinced by evidence d) Productive doubt is motivated by fear, unproductive doubt is motivated by the search for truth
  1. Which strategy is best suited to overcoming intellectual arrogance? a) Practising intellectual humility and reflecting on the limits of one's own knowledge b) Setting oneself intellectual challenges and developing perseverance c) Consulting various perspectives and practising intellectual open-mindedness d) Taking time for deep reflection and developing a tolerance for ambiguity

Answers:​

  1. c) Intellectual autonomy
  2. b) Intellectual impatience
  3. b) The suspension of judgement and openness towards various possibilities
  4. b) Productive doubt leads to further investigation, unproductive doubt leads to intellectual paralysis
  5. a) Practising intellectual humility and reflecting on the limits of one's own knowledge