Question 1

Equality of educational opportunity will guarantee that persons will not have different outcomes in their lives.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 2

When Reinhold Niebuhr spoke of "specious proofs" regarding inequality, what did he mean?

Accepted Answer

Reinhold Niebuhr, a prominent American theologian and social thinker, often addressed the complex interplay between religion, ethics, and society. When Niebuhr referred to "specious proofs" regarding inequality, he was critiquing the justifications that people or societies often use to rationalize or legitimize social and economic inequalities.

Specious proofs are arguments that appear to be logical and valid on the surface but are actually misleading or based on false reasoning. In the context of inequality, these could include claims that the poor are responsible for their own poverty due to a lack of effort or ability, or that the wealthy deserve their status solely because of their hard work and talent. Niebuhr saw such arguments as oversimplifications that ignored the complex factors contributing to inequality, such as systemic injustices, historical circumstances, and the distribution of power and resources.

Niebuhr's critique was rooted in his Christian realist perspective, which emphasized the persistence of sin and self-interest in human societies. He believed that inequalities often arise from the abuse of power and the self-deception of those in privileged positions, who may construct ideological justifications to maintain their advantages. By calling out "specious proofs," Niebuhr aimed to challenge the moral and ethical foundations of such justifications and to promote a more equitable and just society.

Question 3

Commager, in his classic work, The Empire of Reason, showed how the United States had fallen short in implementing Enlightenment ideals.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 4

The state is obligated to provide for equality of educational opportunity.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

Name four causes of inequality.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Name four causes of inequality....

Question 6

Public education is one of the fundamental rules of popular or legitimate government.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

Is fairness a synonym for equality? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Is fairness a synonym for equality? Explain....

Question 8

Are "relevant differences" among children a legitimate criterion for differences in school funding? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Are "relevant differences" among children a legitimate...

Question 9

Equality of opportunity is a well-defined concept that is easily implemented both politically and economically.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

Briefly state the view of Jean Jacques Rousseau, 1758, toward public education and government.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly state the view of Jean Jacques...

Question 11

Market capitalism if left unfettered will achieve maximum equality and sustained economic growth.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

States in the United States have unequal economic resources.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

Countries with low levels of schooling of the youth have inordinately high levels of population growth.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

Explain the "difference principle" as propounded by John Rawls in his book The Theory of Justice.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the "difference principle" as propounded by...

Question 15

A society in which every member holds an equal quantity of property needs justification.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

Contrast equality of opportunity and equality of result.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Contrast equality of opportunity and equality of...

Question 17

Is there a rising trend toward inequality in the United States? If so, what are the remedies?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Is there a rising trend toward inequality...

Question 18

Public schools have been historically tied to property wealth.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

Social Darwinism is a concept that sets philosophical standards for equality of opportunity.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 20

How does the United States rank among the developed countries on measures of internal inequality?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does the United States rank among...

Exam 4: Inequality of Opportunity

Equality of educational opportunity will guarantee that persons will not have different outcomes in their lives.

When Reinhold Niebuhr spoke of "specious proofs" regarding inequality, what did he mean?

Commager, in his classic work, The Empire of Reason, showed how the United States had fallen short in implementing Enlightenment ideals.

The state is obligated to provide for equality of educational opportunity.

Name four causes of inequality.

Public education is one of the fundamental rules of popular or legitimate government.

Is fairness a synonym for equality? Explain.

Are "relevant differences" among children a legitimate criterion for differences in school funding? Explain.

Equality of opportunity is a well-defined concept that is easily implemented both politically and economically.

Briefly state the view of Jean Jacques Rousseau, 1758, toward public education and government.

Market capitalism if left unfettered will achieve maximum equality and sustained economic growth.

States in the United States have unequal economic resources.

Countries with low levels of schooling of the youth have inordinately high levels of population growth.

Explain the "difference principle" as propounded by John Rawls in his book The Theory of Justice.

A society in which every member holds an equal quantity of property needs justification.

Contrast equality of opportunity and equality of result.

Is there a rising trend toward inequality in the United States? If so, what are the remedies?

Public schools have been historically tied to property wealth.

Social Darwinism is a concept that sets philosophical standards for equality of opportunity.

How does the United States rank among the developed countries on measures of internal inequality?