classical Thinkers MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for classical Thinkers - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - A, B, C, E only

Key Points

• Karl Marx's concept of objectification
  • Refers to the process by which men produce objects like food, clothes, and shelters. This highlights the material aspects of human labor. (Option A)
  • It reaffirms a materialist orientation, emphasizing the importance of material conditions and economic activities in shaping society. (Option B)
  • Marx's concept emphasizes his intervention in the real world of real actors, focusing on practical, lived experiences rather than abstract theorizing. (Option C)
  • Objectification is considered the true arena in which people express their human capacities, through their productive activities and interactions with the material world. (Option E)

Additional Information

• Objectification in Marxist Theory
  • Marx believed that through labor, humans transform both themselves and their environments, which is a fundamental aspect of human existence.
  • Labor is not just a means of survival but a way of realizing human potential and creativity.
• Materialist Orientation
  • Marx's materialist approach contrasts with idealist philosophies that prioritize ideas over material conditions.
  • Material conditions and economic factors are seen as the primary influences on societal structures and historical development.
• Human Capacities and Expression
  • Through productive activities, humans express their creativity, intellect, and social nature.
  • Marx viewed human labor as a vital means for individuals to interact with and change their social and physical environments.

The correct answer is - Relentless pursuit of profit

Key Points

• Relentless pursuit of profit
  • According to Karl Marx, capitalism is characterized by the continuous drive to maximize profits.
  • This pursuit of profit often leads to the exploitation of labor, where workers are paid less than the value they produce.
  • Capitalists reinvest profits to generate even more wealth, perpetuating a cycle of capital accumulation.

Additional Information

• Exploitation of Labor
  • Marx argued that the capitalist system inherently exploits workers because they do not receive the full value of their labor.
  • This exploitation is justified by the need to generate surplus value, which is the difference between the value produced by labor and the wages paid to labor.
• Capital Accumulation
  • Capital accumulation refers to the process of generating wealth through the reinvestment of profits into the production process.
  • As capital accumulates, it leads to the expansion of the capitalist system and increasing economic inequalities.
• Class Struggle
  • Marx believed that the relentless pursuit of profit leads to a fundamental conflict between the capitalist class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat).
  • This class struggle is seen as the driving force behind historical change and the eventual overthrow of capitalism.

The correct answer is - E. Durkheim

Key Points

• E. Durkheim
  • Émile Durkheim was a French sociologist known for his foundational work in social theory and sociology.
  • Durkheim's statement, "The God of the clan can be nothing but the clan itself," reflects his view on totemism and the role of religion in society.
  • He argued that religious symbols and beliefs are representations of the collective consciousness of the society or clan.

Additional Information

• Totemism
  • Totemism is a belief system where humans are said to have kinship or a mystical relationship with a spirit-being, such as an animal or plant.
  • Durkheim analyzed totemism in Australian Aboriginal societies and concluded that religious totems are symbols of the social group itself.
• Collective Consciousness
  • Durkheim introduced the concept of collective consciousness to describe the set of shared beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes which operate as a unifying force within society.
  • He believed that collective consciousness is crucial for the cohesion and functioning of societies.

The correct answer is - D, B, A, C only

Key Points

• Ideal Types
  • According to Max Weber, ideal types are heuristic devices.
  • They are tools used for understanding specific aspects of the social world.
  • Ideal types serve as analytical constructs to help in theoretical research.
  • These constructs are also helpful in doing empirical research.

Additional Information

• Max Weber's Ideal Types
  • Ideal types are formed by the exaggeration of certain elements of reality.
  • They are not meant to be a reflection of reality but are conceptual tools to understand the social world.
  • Ideal types help in the analysis of social phenomena by providing a clear framework.
  • They are used in sociological research to compare and contrast real-world scenarios against the ideal.
  • Weber's approach emphasizes that ideal types are subjective constructs created by the social scientist.

The correct answer is - Max Weber

Key Points

• Max Weber
  • Weber is known for his work on the sociology of religion, economics, and administration.
  • He introduced the concept of Verstehen, which emphasizes understanding the meaning and purpose that individuals attach to their actions.
  • Weber's approach often challenged common sense interpretations by providing a deeper, more analytical view of social actions.

Additional Information

• Sociology of Religion
  • Max Weber's study of the sociology of religion includes his famous work "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism."
  • He examined how religious beliefs could influence economic behavior and societal development.
• Types of Authority
  • Weber classified authority into three types: traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational.
  • This classification helps in understanding the legitimacy and functioning of different social orders.
• Methodology
  • Weber emphasized a methodological approach that combines empirical research with theoretical analysis.
  • He argued for the importance of understanding the subjective meaning of social actions.

The correct answer is - Ideal types represent the common or average characteristics of the phenomena studied.

Key Points

• Key Points about Ideal Types:
  • Ideal types are not general or average types; they are formulated based on certain typical traits, which are essential to the construction of an ideal type concept.
  • Ideal types do not represent total reality but exhibit a partial conception of the whole.
  • They are neither a description of any definite concept of reality nor a hypothesis but can aid both in description and explanation.
  • Ideal types are related to the analytic conception of causality, though not in deterministic terms.
  • They help in reaching general propositions and in comparative analysis.
  • Ideal types serve to guide empirical research and are used in the systematization of data on historical and social reality.

Additional Information

• Weber's Idea of Ideal Types:
  • Max Weber's concept of 'ideal types' involves constructing conceptual tools by abstracting and combining elements found in reality.
  • Ideal types are designed to highlight essential characteristics necessary for the study of specific phenomena.
  • They are mental constructs intended to aid analysis and are not found empirically in their pure form in reality.
  • Weber's 'ideal types' serve as an analytical tool to understand and analyze social phenomena by providing a model against which real cases can be compared.
  • For example, in "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism," Weber used the concept of the 'Calvinist Ethic' as an ideal type to explore the development of the capitalist spirit.

The correct answer is - class, status

Key Points

• Class
  • According to Max Weber, "class" refers to the unequal distribution of economic rewards, resources, or wealth among individuals in society.
  • This concept focuses on economic factors such as income, property, and financial assets.
• Status
  • "Status" in Weber's sociology refers to the unequal distribution of social honor or prestige.
  • This concept deals with social recognition, respect, and the esteem that individuals or groups receive in society.
  • Status is often linked to lifestyle, education, and occupation, which collectively contribute to one's social standing.

Additional Information

• Caste
  • Caste refers to a social stratification system predominantly found in India, where individuals are born into a specific hierarchical group with restricted social mobility.
  • Caste distinctions are traditionally based on occupation and family lineage.
• Power
  • Power, in sociological terms, is the ability to influence or control the behavior of people and is often linked to authority, politics, and governance.
• Prestige
  • Prestige is similar to status and refers to the level of respect or admiration that a person or group receives based on their achievements, quality, or character.

The correct answer is 3 and 4.

Key PointsIn regard to the exchange value of commodities according to Marx:

• Statement 1: Commodities have exchange value because they are produced by specific types of labour.
  • According to Marx, exchange value is not determined by specific types of labour but by the amount of abstract human labour incorporated into the commodity.
  • Thus, it’s the general human labour, not a specific type of labour, that determines the commodity's exchange value.
  • Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• Statement 2: Exchange value is determined by the total amount of individual labour spent on the production.
  • Marx's theory states that exchange value is determined by the socially necessary labour time, which is the average labour time needed to produce a commodity at a given level of productivity, not by the total amount of individual labour spent.
  • Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Statement 3: Exchange value is determined by the average labour time necessary for its production.
  • Marx posits that the exchange value of a commodity is determined by the "socially necessary labour time" required to produce it.
  • This refers to the average amount of time the typical worker needs to produce the commodity under normal conditions and with the average degree of skill and intensity prevalent at the time.
  • Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Statement 4: Both wheat and linen can have the same exchange value despite being products of different types of labour.
  • Marx's concept of abstract human labour means that although wheat and linen are produced by different types of useful labour (farming and weaving, respectively), their exchange value can be equivalent if the amount of socially necessary labour time to produce them is the same.
  • Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Additional Information

• Abstract Human Labour:
  • According to Marx, “abstract human labour” is a concept that signifies human labour power, irrespective of its concrete form or the specific type of work being done.
  • All labour is reduced to this abstract quality when considering exchange value.
• Socially Necessary Labour Time:
  • This concept is essential for understanding Marx's labour theory of value. It is the average amount of time required to produce a commodity under typical conditions of production and with average skill and intensity.
• Surplus Labour:
  • Marx explains that in historical contexts, people produced more than just what was necessary for their subsistence, which he calls "surplus-labour."
  • This surplus enabled a section of the population, such as chiefs and priests, to be released from direct labour for subsistence and become a ruling class.
  • In the feudal system, serfs would spend part of their time working on their own lands for subsistence ("necessary labour") and part of their time working lands owned by the feudal lord without pay ("surplus-labour").
  • The products of this surplus-labour were appropriated by the ruling class.
  • In capitalist systems, this concept translates into workers producing more value than what is covered by their wages.
  • The difference between the value produced by the workers and their wages is termed as "surplus-value", and this surplus is appropriated by the capitalists, forming the basis of capital accumulation.

The correct answer is - All of the above.

Key Points

• World Conservation Strategy (IUCN 1980):
  • This document emphasized the integration of conservation and development, highlighting the importance of sustainability.
  • It acknowledged that traditional knowledge and practices of indigenous peoples are crucial for the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable resource management.
    Hence, this statement is correct.
• Our Common Future (WCED 1987):
  • Also known as the Brundtland Report, it brought the concept of sustainable development to the forefront of global discussions.
  • The report recognized the value of indigenous knowledge systems in promoting sustainable development and managing natural resources effectively.
    Hence, this statement is correct.
• Agenda 21 from the UNCED, Rio de Janeiro (1992):
  • Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action to build a global partnership for sustainable development, adopted at the Earth Summit.
  • It explicitly highlighted the role of indigenous knowledge and practices in sustainable development and environmental management.
    Hence, this statement is correct.

Additional Information

• Global Significance of Indigenous Knowledge:
  • All three documents collectively have recognized the pivotal role of indigenous knowledge in achieving sustainable development goals.
  • These international efforts highlight the need to integrate traditional practices with modern conservation and development strategies.
• International Recognition and Action:
  • The recognition of indigenous knowledge in these documents has led to various international and national policies incorporating traditional knowledge into sustainable development practices.
  • Organizations like the United Nations have continued to promote the inclusion of indigenous perspectives in environmental and developmental policies.

The correct answer is - Vast reservoir of ecological information and sustainable practices.

Key Points

• Ecological Information and Sustainable Practices:
  • Indigenous knowledge systems are rich in ecological information, having been developed over centuries of living in close harmony with nature.
  • These systems include sustainable practices for managing natural resources, such as traditional agriculture, water conservation techniques, and forest management.
  • Notably, native communities have successfully maintained biodiversity through these practices, ensuring the sustainability of their environments.

Additional Information

• Significance in Resource Management:
  • Indigenous practices often exemplify sustainable living by focusing on balance and harmony with the ecosystem.
  • They offer valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability, crucial in the face of climate change and environmental degradation.
• Global Interest and Integration:
  • There is a growing recognition of the value of indigenous knowledge in global policy frameworks and environmental conservation efforts.
  • Organizations like the United Nations increasingly emphasize the inclusion of indigenous perspectives in sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The correct answer is - Study of folk or primitive medicine including health beliefs and cultural values.

Key Points

• Ethno-medicine :
  • Ethno-medicine is the study of traditional, folk, or primitive medical practices and beliefs within various cultures.
  • It encompasses the entire context in which health, illness, and healing practices are embedded, including cultural values, social roles, and health beliefs.
• Health Beliefs and Cultural Values:
  • Central to ethno-medicine is the investigation of how different cultures comprehend health and illness, incorporating a wide range of belief systems and practices.
  • This study includes understanding the indigenous knowledge systems and culturally specific health practices and treatments.
• Emic and Etic Perspectives:
  • Ethno-medicine considers both emic (insider) and etic (outsider) perspectives to comprehensively understand health phenomena within a cultural context.
  • Emic perspectives focus on the local explanations and meanings of illnesses, while etic perspectives apply a more generalized, analytical approach from outside the culture.
• Diverse Medical Practices:
  • It examines a variety of traditional practices such as herbal medicine, spiritual healing, and folk remedies, which may be integrated with or contrasted against modern medical practices.
  • Ethno-medicine acknowledges the plurality and coexistence of different medicinal systems within societies.

Additional Information

• Scope of Ethno-Medicine:
  • It includes the ethnography of health and healing behaviors in various societies.
  • Ethno-medicine also deals with how traditional healers and patients interact and the procedures for preparing and using medicinal plants.
• Methods in Ethno-Medicine:
  • Common methods include participant observation, ethnographic interviews, and life histories to gather data on health practices.
  • These methods help in understanding the cultural context and practical applications of traditional medicine.

The correct answer is - i, ii, and iv

Key Points

• Emile Durkheim as a pioneer
  • Emile Durkheim is widely recognized as one of the founding figures of modern social science and sociology.
  • He established sociology as a distinct academic discipline through his work and academic contributions.
• Concept of "anomie"
  • Durkheim's concept of "anomie" refers to the breakdown of social norms resulting in a state of normlessness.
  • Anomie occurs when social regulations break down, leading to higher levels of uncertainty and instability in society.
• Study of "Suicide"
  • In his seminal work "Suicide" (1897), Durkheim explored the social causes of suicide.
  • He demonstrated that suicide rates are influenced by social factors such as the level of social integration and regulation, rather than simply individual psychological factors.

Additional Information

• Historical Materialism
  • The idea of historical materialism was introduced by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, not Emile Durkheim.
  • Historical materialism focuses on how material conditions and economic factors influence social structures and historical development.

The correct answer is - 1, 2, and 4.

Key Points

• Explanations of Illness and Disease:
  • Ethno-medicine involves understanding the various explanations for illness and disease, which can include both natural and supernatural causes as perceived in different cultures.
  • This is crucial for grasping the full context of health beliefs and practices within ethnographic studies.
  • Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Emic and Etic Perceptions of Health:
  • Ethno-medicine includes both emic (insider) and etic (outsider) perspectives to provide a comprehensive view of health, illness, and healing practices.
  • Emic perspectives offer insight into how local populations perceive and interpret health-related phenomena, while etic perspectives provide an external analysis.
  • Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Only Biomedical Approaches to Treatment:
  • Ethno-medicine does not exclusively rely on biomedical approaches; it primarily focuses on traditional and folk medical practices along with their cultural and social dimensions.
  • This aspect is what differentiates ethno-medicine from purely biomedical studies.
  • Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• Focus on Traditional Medical Practices, Diagnosis, and Treatment:
  • Ethno-medicine indeed focuses on traditional medical practices, including diagnosis and treatment methods that are culturally specific.
  • This includes practices such as herbal remedies, spiritual healing, and other indigenous methods.
  • Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Additional Information

• Broader Scope:
  • Ethno-medicine encompasses the study of health beliefs, cultural values, and social roles that influence how different societies approach health care.
  • It integrates knowledge from ethnography, anthropology, and medical studies to offer a holistic understanding of health and illness.
• Research Methods:
  • Common research methods in ethno-medicine include participant observation, ethnographic interviews, and analysis of life histories.
  • These methods help researchers gain in-depth knowledge of traditional health practices and beliefs.

The correct answer is - 1, 2, and 4.

Key Points

• Causes of Illness:
  • Arthur Kleinman's explanatory model of ethno-medicine includes understanding the causes of illness, which encompasses both natural and supernatural explanations, as perceived by different cultures.
  • This aligns with the study of ethno-medicine's focus on emic (insider) perspectives on what causes illness.
  • Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Diagnostic Criteria:
  • Kleinman’s model also includes the diagnostic criteria used by traditional healers and communities. These criteria can vary significantly from those used in modern biomedicine and often include cultural and spiritual components.
  • The diagnostic process in ethno-medicine involves understanding how different societies identify and categorize illness.
  • Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Cultural Construction of Illness and Treatment:
  • Central to Kleinman’s model is the concept of the cultural construction of illness and treatment. He emphasizes how illnesses are perceived and treated within different cultural contexts, which includes social and spiritual dimensions.
  • This aspect underscores the importance of cultural values and beliefs in shaping health behaviors and treatment practices.
  • Hence, statement 4 is correct.
• Only Modern Treatment Options:
  • Kleinman's model does not restrict itself to only modern treatment options. Rather, it incorporates a diverse range of traditional, complementary, and alternative treatments that are culturally specific.
  • Modern treatment options are typically a part of cosmopolitan medicine rather than ethno-medicine, which includes a broader spectrum of cultural practices.
  • Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Additional Information

• About Arthur Kleinman:
  • Arthur Kleinman is an American psychiatrist and anthropologist known for his work in medical anthropology, particularly his studies on cross-cultural psychiatry and health care systems.
  • His explanatory model emphasizes how individuals and societies understand and respond to illness, integrating medical, cultural, and social perspectives.
• Importance of Ethno-Medicine:
  • Ethno-medicine provides insights into how different cultures approach health, illness, and healing, recognizing the importance of cultural context in medical practices.
  • By studying ethno-medicine, health practitioners can offer more culturally sensitive care, which can improve patient outcomes and overall health equity.

The correct answer is - 1, 2, and 3.

Key Points

• Class Struggle:
  • Karl Marx articulated the concept of class struggle, which posits that history is largely a history of conflicts between different social classes. These struggles arise from the unique interests and power relations of the classes within the capitalist system.
  • The most significant class conflict identified by Marx is between the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class).
  • Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Historical Materialism:
  • Marx developed the theory of historical materialism, which argues that the economic base of society (i.e., the mode of production) determines its superstructure (i.e., culture, institutions, politics).
  • This theory explains social changes primarily through economic factors and class relations, emphasizing the role of material conditions in shaping history.
  • Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Alienation:
  • In his analysis of capitalism, Marx introduced the concept of alienation, which refers to the estrangement of workers from their labor, the products they create, their own potential, and from each other.
  • This alienation results from the exploitative and dehumanizing conditions of capitalist production, where workers do not control the means of production or the fruits of their labor.
  • Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Rationalization:
  • Rationalization is a concept more closely associated with Max Weber, who analyzed the process by which traditional and affective ways of life are replaced by means-ends rationality and efficiency.
  • While Marx discussed bureaucracy and certain aspects of rationality within capitalism, he did not specifically focus on rationalization as a central concept in his works.
  • Therefore, statement 4 is not correct in the context of Marx’s central ideas.

Additional Information

Karl Marx:

• Karl Marx (1818-1883) was a German philosopher, economist, historian, sociologist, political theorist, journalist, and socialist revolutionary.
• Marx's work laid the foundation for the theory of socialism and communism, and his ideas have had a profound influence on a wide range of modern social sciences.

Important Works:

• The Communist Manifesto (1848): Co-authored with Friedrich Engels, this political pamphlet lays out the principles of Marxism and calls for the proletariat to rise up against the bourgeoisie.
• Das Kapital (1867): This major work provides a critical analysis of political economy, capitalism, and its dynamics, focusing on the exploitation of labor and the accumulation of capital.