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In the common understanding of meritocracy, merit is primarily defined by tested competency and ability, often measured by IQ scores or standardized tests.
Answer: True
Explanation: The prevailing conception of meritocracy defines merit through quantifiable measures of competence and ability, such as IQ scores and standardized examinations.
The etymological roots of 'meritocracy' come from the Latin word 'meritum' (worth) and the Greek suffix '-cracy' (rule).
Answer: True
Explanation: The term 'meritocracy' is etymologically derived from the Latin 'meritum' (worth) and the Greek suffix '-cracy' (rule), signifying a system governed by merit.
Meritocracy is often associated with the concept of 'equality of opportunity,' suggesting everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
Answer: True
Explanation: The concept of meritocracy is frequently linked with 'equality of opportunity,' the principle that all individuals should have an equitable chance to achieve success based on their merits and efforts.
The concept of meritocracy inherently implies that social mobility is impossible.
Answer: False
Explanation: The concept of meritocracy inherently implies the possibility of social mobility, as advancement is theoretically based on individual merit and achievement rather than fixed social strata.
What is the fundamental definition of meritocracy as presented in the source?
Answer: A political system distributing power and goods based on individual abilities and talents.
Explanation: Meritocracy is fundamentally defined as a political system where power and goods are distributed based on individual abilities and talents, rather than inherited status or wealth.
The term 'meritocracy' is a combination of which linguistic origins?
Answer: Latin ('meritum') and Greek ('krasiā')
Explanation: The term 'meritocracy' originates from the Latin word 'meritum' (meaning merit or worth) and the Ancient Greek suffix '-cracy' (meaning rule or power).
In the common conception, how is 'merit' typically measured within a meritocracy?
Answer: By tested competency, ability, IQ scores, or achievement tests.
Explanation: In the common conception of meritocracy, merit is typically measured by tested competency and ability, often assessed through IQ scores or standardized achievement tests.
How does the concept of 'equality of opportunity' relate to meritocracy?
Answer: Meritocracy is often associated with promoting equality of opportunity, though critics question its practical achievement.
Explanation: Meritocracy is closely associated with the ideal of 'equality of opportunity,' positing that everyone should have a fair chance to succeed based on their merits, though critics question its practical realization.
How does the concept of 'social mobility' relate to meritocracy?
Answer: Meritocracy is fundamentally linked to the concept of social mobility, as it posits that individuals can ascend or descend the social hierarchy based on their talents and efforts.
Explanation: Meritocracy is fundamentally linked to the concept of social mobility, as it posits that individuals can ascend or descend the social hierarchy based on their talents and efforts.
Imperial China's civil service examination system, dating back centuries, is considered an early administrative form of meritocracy.
Answer: True
Explanation: Imperial China's extensive civil service examination system, established over centuries, is widely recognized as a significant historical precursor and administrative implementation of meritocratic principles.
Confucius advocated for rulers to govern based on inherited status rather than merit or virtue.
Answer: False
Explanation: Confucius's philosophical teachings emphasized governance based on merit and virtue, advocating for rulers to be selected based on their character and abilities rather than inherited status.
Plato, in *The Republic*, argued that the wisest individuals, known as 'philosopher kings,' should rule, aligning with meritocratic principles.
Answer: True
Explanation: In his seminal work *The Republic*, Plato posited that governance should be entrusted to 'philosopher kings'—individuals possessing superior wisdom and virtue—a concept consonant with meritocratic ideals.
The Rashidun Caliphate in the Islamic world based its succession rule on hereditary principles, not merit.
Answer: False
Explanation: The succession within the Rashidun Caliphate was determined by the consensus of prominent figures, reflecting a meritocratic approach rather than adherence to hereditary principles.
The Ottoman Empire's *devshirme* system involved recruiting elites based solely on their inherited noble status.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Ottoman Empire's *devshirme* system was a meritocratic practice that recruited young boys from Christian communities, who were then educated and trained for significant military and administrative roles, irrespective of noble lineage.
The British Empire adopted meritocratic principles in India, influenced by the Chinese model, to staff its administration.
Answer: True
Explanation: The British Empire implemented meritocratic principles in its administration of India, drawing inspiration from the Chinese civil service examination system to select officials based on competence.
The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in the United States was enacted *before* the assassination of President James A. Garfield.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act was enacted in 1883, which was *after* the assassination of President James A. Garfield in 1881, serving as a direct response to the political climate surrounding it.
John Stuart Mill proposed a system of plural voting where more educated voters would have greater influence, reflecting a meritocratic idea.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Stuart Mill advocated for a system of plural voting, suggesting that individuals with greater education and demonstrated merit should possess more influence in the electoral process, reflecting a meritocratic principle.
Thomas Jefferson believed a successful republic required leadership based primarily on inherited wealth and status.
Answer: False
Explanation: Thomas Jefferson posited that a successful republic necessitates leadership grounded in a 'natural aristocracy' of talent and virtue, identified through education, rather than inherited wealth or status.
King Osei Kwadwo of the Ashanti Empire prioritized appointing officials based on lineage rather than ability.
Answer: False
Explanation: King Osei Kwadwo of the Ashanti Empire implemented a meritocratic approach by prioritizing the appointment of officials based on their demonstrated ability rather than their lineage.
The 'Hua–Yi distinction' in China was reinforced by Confucian meritocracy, emphasizing ethnic background over merit.
Answer: False
Explanation: Confucian meritocracy challenged the 'Hua–Yi distinction' by asserting that merit, rather than ethnic or cultural background, should be the basis for advancement, potentially including individuals previously categorized as 'barbarian'.
The British Empire adopted meritocratic principles in India during the eighteenth century, inspired by European models.
Answer: False
Explanation: The British Empire adopted meritocratic principles in India during the seventeenth century, drawing inspiration from the Chinese mandarin system, not solely from European models.
Aristotle believed that governance should be based on virtue and ability, supporting meritocratic ideals.
Answer: True
Explanation: Aristotle's political philosophy advocated for governance based on virtue and ability, aligning with the core principles of meritocracy.
The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act mandated that government jobs be awarded based on political affiliation rather than merit.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act mandated that government jobs be awarded based on merit through competitive examinations, thereby moving away from a system based on political affiliation.
Which historical example is cited as an early administrative meritocratic system?
Answer: Imperial China's civil service examination system.
Explanation: Imperial China's civil service examination system is cited as a significant early administrative example of meritocracy.
What principle did Confucius advocate regarding governance that influenced meritocratic ideas?
Answer: Governance should be based on merit rather than inherited status.
Explanation: Confucius advocated for governance based on merit and virtue, rather than inherited status, a principle that significantly influenced the development of meritocratic thought.
According to the source, what were Plato's and Aristotle's views on the ideal rulers?
Answer: Plato argued for 'philosopher kings' (wisest), and Aristotle supported rule based on virtue and ability.
Explanation: Plato argued for rule by 'philosopher kings' (the wisest), while Aristotle supported governance based on virtue and ability, both aligning with meritocratic principles.
Which Islamic system mentioned in the source utilized meritocratic principles for selecting officials?
Answer: The Ottoman Empire's *devshirme* system.
Explanation: The Ottoman Empire's *devshirme* system, which recruited and trained individuals for state service based on ability, is cited as an example of meritocratic practice in the Islamic world.
How did the United States reform its civil service system in the late 19th century?
Answer: Through the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, mandating competitive exams.
Explanation: The United States reformed its civil service system through the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, mandating that government jobs be awarded based on merit via competitive examinations.
John Stuart Mill's proposal for a meritocratic element in governance involved:
Answer: Allowing more educated voters to have greater influence through plural voting.
Explanation: John Stuart Mill proposed a system of plural voting, where more educated voters would have greater influence, reflecting a meritocratic approach to representation.
Thomas Jefferson advocated for a 'natural aristocracy' based on:
Answer: Talent and virtue, identified through education.
Explanation: Thomas Jefferson advocated for a 'natural aristocracy' based on talent and virtue, identified through education, as essential for a successful republic.
How did King Osei Kwadwo of the Ashanti Empire practice meritocracy?
Answer: By prioritizing the appointment of officials based on their ability.
Explanation: King Osei Kwadwo of the Ashanti Empire practiced meritocracy by prioritizing the appointment of officials based on their demonstrated ability rather than their lineage.
The British Empire adopted meritocratic principles in India during the seventeenth century, inspired by European models.
Answer: The Chinese mandarin system.
Explanation: The British Empire adopted meritocratic principles in India during the seventeenth century, drawing inspiration from the Chinese mandarin system, not primarily from European models.
The term 'meritocracy' was first used in a positive context to describe an ideal society.
Answer: False
Explanation: The term 'meritocracy' was initially coined by Michael Dunlop Young in a pejorative sense to critique a dystopian society, not to describe an ideal one.
Michael Dunlop Young coined the term 'meritocracy' to praise the emerging elite class in post-war Britain.
Answer: False
Explanation: Michael Dunlop Young coined the term 'meritocracy' satirically in his book *The Rise of the Meritocracy*, using it pejoratively to critique a society stratified by intelligence and effort, rather than to praise an elite class.
Michael Young's formula for merit was m = IQ + E, representing intelligence plus effort.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michael Young proposed a formula for quantifying merit as 'm = IQ + E,' where 'IQ' represents intelligence and 'E' represents effort.
L. Ieva's formula for merit includes intelligence, culture, experience, and energy.
Answer: True
Explanation: L. Ieva's formula for merit incorporates intelligence, culture, and experience, with the addition of energy (m = f(IQ, Cut, ex) + E).
Who is credited with first using the term 'meritocracy', and in what manner?
Answer: Michael Dunlop Young, pejoratively to describe a dystopian society.
Explanation: Michael Dunlop Young is credited with coining the term 'meritocracy' in a pejorative context in his 1958 book *The Rise of the Meritocracy*, satirizing a dystopian society.
Singapore officially rejects meritocracy as a guiding principle for its public policy.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, Singapore officially espouses meritocracy as a fundamental guiding principle for its public policy, emphasizing advancement based on talent and ability.
Contemporary defenders of Confucian political meritocracy argue that hierarchies are inevitable and can be justified by efficiency and serving the people's interests.
Answer: True
Explanation: Proponents of Confucian political meritocracy, such as Daniel Bell and Wang Pei, contend that hierarchies are inherent in complex societies and can be ethically justified by their potential for efficiency and service to the populace.
Pope Francis warned that meritocracy, if not accompanied by genuine equality of opportunity, can become a screen that consolidates privileges.
Answer: True
Explanation: Pope Francis cautioned that meritocracy, when lacking genuine equality of opportunity, risks becoming a mechanism that perpetuates and consolidates existing privileges, rather than fostering true social mobility.
Some Confucians criticize proponents of political meritocracy like Daniel Bell for rejecting democracy entirely.
Answer: True
Explanation: Certain Confucian scholars critique political meritocrats like Daniel Bell for their perceived rejection of democratic principles, arguing that Confucianism does not preclude popular sovereignty or political participation.
How do proponents like Daniel Bell and Wang Pei justify political hierarchies in complex societies?
Answer: By citing raw efficiency and the need to serve the people's interests.
Explanation: Daniel Bell and Wang Pei justify political hierarchies in complex societies by arguing for their inevitability and potential for efficiency and service to the people's interests.
Pope Francis cautioned that meritocracy can become problematic if it:
Answer: Is not accompanied by genuine equality of opportunity, thus consolidating privileges.
Explanation: Pope Francis cautioned that meritocracy can become problematic if it is not accompanied by genuine equality of opportunity, thereby serving as a screen that consolidates privileges.
Criticisms of Singapore's meritocracy include concerns about increasing social stratification and the creation of an elite class.
Answer: True
Explanation: Concerns regarding Singapore's meritocratic system frequently cite the potential for increased social stratification and the formation of an entrenched elite class, challenging the ideal of equal opportunity.
A key criticism of implementing meritocracy is the unclear definition of 'merit' itself.
Answer: True
Explanation: A significant challenge in establishing a true meritocracy lies in the absence of a universally agreed-upon and objective definition of 'merit,' leading to ambiguity in assessment and implementation.
The 'Peter Principle' suggests that individuals in a meritocracy are promoted indefinitely based on their initial demonstrated competence.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Peter Principle' posits that individuals in hierarchical systems are promoted to their level of incompetence, suggesting that promotion based solely on demonstrated merit can lead to individuals occupying positions for which they are unqualified.
The criticism linking meritocracy to 'deaths of despair' suggests that the system's competition and inequality contribute to psychological distress and social problems.
Answer: True
Explanation: The criticism linking meritocracy to 'deaths of despair' posits that the intense competition and resultant inequalities fostered by such systems can contribute to significant psychological distress, manifesting as increased rates of suicide, alcoholism, and drug overdose.
The 'meritocracy gap' refers to the difference between the ideal of meritocracy and its practical implementation, often due to barriers like the cost of education.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'meritocracy gap' denotes the discrepancy between the theoretical ideal of meritocracy and its actual implementation, highlighting systemic barriers such as the prohibitive cost of education and unequal access that impede true equality of opportunity.
The presence of 'princelings' (children of high-ranking officials) in Chinese government positions supports the strict meritocratic ideal of equal opportunity.
Answer: False
Explanation: The prevalence of 'princelings'—individuals whose parents hold high-ranking positions—in Chinese government roles serves as evidence that political connections and familial background continue to significantly influence advancement, thereby undermining the strict meritocratic ideal of equal opportunity.
The 'achievement ideology' is the belief that success is primarily determined by individual effort, talent, and merit.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'achievement ideology' is a cultural belief system asserting that individual success is predominantly a consequence of personal effort, innate talent, and demonstrated merit, often serving as a foundational tenet for meritocratic systems.
Critics argue standardized tests accurately measure valuable qualities like creativity, judgment, and ethical reflection.
Answer: False
Explanation: Critics contend that standardized tests are inadequate for measuring crucial qualities such as creativity, nuanced judgment, and ethical reflection, often assessing only isolated skills or factual recall.
The 'meritocracy trap' suggests that the relentless pursuit of merit can lead to intense competition and exacerbate inequality.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'meritocracy trap,' as described by Daniel Markovits, refers to the phenomenon where the intense competition inherent in meritocratic systems leads to escalating inequality and societal stratification.
What is a primary criticism leveled against Singapore's meritocratic system?
Answer: It fosters an elite class and increases social stratification.
Explanation: A primary criticism of Singapore's meritocracy is its potential to foster an elite class and increase social stratification, thereby undermining the ideal of equal opportunity.
Which of the following is identified as a key practical criticism of implementing a meritocracy?
Answer: The high cost of education required to compete limits access.
Explanation: A key practical criticism identified is the high cost of education required to compete effectively, which limits access and hinders true equality of opportunity.
The criticism that meritocracy can lead to 'deaths of despair' links the system to:
Answer: Psychological distress, alcoholism, and suicide due to competition and inequality.
Explanation: The criticism linking meritocracy to 'deaths of despair' connects the system's competitive pressures and resultant inequalities to increased psychological distress, leading to phenomena such as suicide, alcoholism, and drug overdose.
What does the 'meritocracy gap' highlight?
Answer: The difference between the ideal of meritocracy and its practical implementation, including barriers to equal opportunity.
Explanation: The 'meritocracy gap' highlights the disparity between the ideal of meritocracy and its practical implementation, particularly concerning barriers to equal opportunity and fair competition.
The presence of 'princelings' in China's government is presented as evidence that:
Answer: Political connections and family background still significantly influence advancement.
Explanation: The presence of 'princelings' in China's government is presented as evidence that political connections and family background significantly influence advancement, contradicting the strict meritocratic ideal.
The 'achievement ideology' supports meritocracy by emphasizing that success is determined by:
Answer: Individual effort, talent, and merit.
Explanation: The 'achievement ideology' supports meritocracy by emphasizing that success is determined by individual effort, talent, and merit.
What is a major criticism of standardized testing in the context of meritocracy?
Answer: They fail to measure important qualities like initiative and creativity.
Explanation: A major criticism is that standardized tests fail to accurately measure valuable qualities such as creativity, judgment, and ethical reflection, often assessing only limited skills.
What historical critique of meritocracy is exemplified by the 'princelings' in China?
Answer: The system is undermined by political connections and family background influencing advancement.
Explanation: The 'princelings' in China exemplify the critique that political connections and family background can significantly influence advancement, undermining the meritocratic ideal of equal opportunity.
What is the primary concern regarding the definition of 'merit' in a meritocracy?
Answer: There is a lack of a clear, universally agreed-upon definition.
Explanation: The primary concern regarding the definition of 'merit' in a meritocracy is its lack of a clear, universally agreed-upon standard, leading to ambiguity in its application and assessment.
Daniel Bell argues that meritocracy in Singapore has successfully eliminated all societal inequalities.
Answer: False
Explanation: Daniel Bell's analysis suggests that meritocracy, while aiming for objectivity, can function as an ideology that masks underlying societal inequalities, rather than eliminating them.
Tongdong Bai argues that political inequality is inherently unjust, regardless of potential benefits.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tongdong Bai posits that political inequality can be justified if it results in benefits for those who are materially disadvantaged, suggesting a conditional acceptance of inequality based on its outcomes.
Michael Sandel argues that the meritocratic ideal has strengthened social solidarity and reduced inequality.
Answer: False
Explanation: Michael Sandel critically argues that the meritocratic ideal has, in fact, eroded social solidarity and exacerbated inequality, leading to a disconnected elite and societal division.
Daniel Markovits's book *The Meritocracy Trap* argues that meritocracy leads to 'snowball inequality,' benefiting only the middle class.
Answer: False
Explanation: Daniel Markovits's *The Meritocracy Trap* contends that meritocracy generates 'snowball inequality,' disproportionately benefiting the elite and exacerbating disadvantages for the middle class, rather than solely benefiting the middle class.
Satoshi Araki's concept of 'imagined meritocracy' suggests that societies often function based on actual abilities rather than educational credentials.
Answer: False
Explanation: Satoshi Araki's concept of 'imagined meritocracy' posits that societies are often perceived as meritocratic, but in practice, educational credentials frequently overshadow actual abilities, leading to a system where perceived merit differs from realized merit.
Michael Sandel proposes shifting focus from 'distributive justice' to 'contributive justice' as a response to meritocracy's flaws.
Answer: True
Explanation: Michael Sandel advocates for a paradigm shift from 'distributive justice' to 'contributive justice,' emphasizing the creation of conditions where all individuals can contribute meaningfully to the common good and receive recognition, as a means to address the shortcomings of meritocracy.
Thomas Piketty's 'meritocratic worldview' suggests that success is primarily due to inherited wealth, not individual merit.
Answer: False
Explanation: Thomas Piketty's concept of the 'meritocratic worldview' refers to the belief that success stems primarily from individual merit, often coexisting with significant inherited wealth and limited social mobility, thereby serving as a cultural justification for existing inequalities.
Joseph Chan argues that Confucianism is fundamentally incompatible with liberal democratic frameworks.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joseph Chan argues that Confucianism can be compatible with and complement liberal democratic frameworks, rather than being fundamentally incompatible.
Satoshi Araki defines a society's 'meritocratic nature' solely by the presence of competitive examinations.
Answer: False
Explanation: Satoshi Araki does not define a society's 'meritocratic nature' solely by the presence of competitive examinations; rather, he distinguishes between credentialism and actual abilities as indicators of merit.
Daniel Markovits proposes an alternative meritocratic principle where socioeconomic conveniences are freely distributed to the sufficiently successful.
Answer: True
Explanation: Daniel Markovits proposes an alternative meritocratic principle focused on distributing socioeconomic conveniences to the successful, aiming to mitigate the extreme inequalities and pressures inherent in the current meritocratic system.
Michael Sandel argues that the meritocratic ideal has led to greater social cohesion and understanding between elites and the public.
Answer: False
Explanation: Michael Sandel argues that the meritocratic ideal has paradoxically led to diminished social cohesion and understanding, fostering a sense of detachment between elites and the broader public.
Chris Hayes argues that the move towards meritocracy has increased public trust in American institutions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Chris Hayes argues in *Twilight of the Elites* that the increasing dominance of meritocracy has led to a decline in public trust in American institutions, accompanied by rising inequality and corruption.
Daniel Bell's perspective on meritocracy in Singapore suggests it can:
Answer: Become an ideological tool that masks underlying inequalities.
Explanation: Daniel Bell suggests that meritocracy in Singapore can function as an ideology that masks underlying inequalities, rather than eliminating them.
What is Michael Sandel's main critique of the meritocratic ideal?
Answer: It has eroded social solidarity and justified inequality.
Explanation: Michael Sandel's main critique is that the meritocratic ideal has eroded social solidarity and justified inequality, leading to a disconnected elite and societal division.
Daniel Markovits's concept of the 'meritocracy trap' primarily describes:
Answer: How relentless competition in meritocracy exacerbates inequality ('snowball inequality').
Explanation: Daniel Markovits's 'meritocracy trap' primarily describes how relentless competition within meritocratic systems exacerbates inequality, creating a cycle of advantage for elites and disadvantage for the middle class.
What does Satoshi Araki mean by 'imagined meritocracy'?
Answer: A society perceived as meritocratic, but where credentials often overshadow actual abilities.
Explanation: Satoshi Araki uses 'imagined meritocracy' to describe societies perceived as meritocratic, where educational credentials often hold more sway than actual abilities, creating a disconnect between the ideal and reality.
Michael Sandel proposes 'contributive justice' as a way to address meritocracy's flaws by focusing on:
Answer: Creating conditions for everyone to contribute to the common good and receive recognition.
Explanation: Michael Sandel proposes 'contributive justice' as a means to address meritocracy's flaws by focusing on creating conditions for everyone to contribute to the common good and receive recognition for their contributions.
Thomas Piketty uses the term 'meritocratic worldview' to describe:
Answer: The underlying belief that personal success stems mainly from individual merit.
Explanation: Thomas Piketty uses 'meritocratic worldview' to describe the prevailing belief in democratic societies that personal success is primarily due to individual merit, often masking underlying inequalities.
What is the core argument of Daniel Markovits's proposed alternative 'meritocratic principle'?
Answer: To distribute socioeconomic conveniences freely to the sufficiently successful and reduce inequality.
Explanation: Daniel Markovits proposes an alternative meritocratic principle focused on distributing socioeconomic conveniences to the successful, aiming to mitigate inequality and the pressures of relentless competition.
What did Chris Hayes argue in *Twilight of the Elites* regarding the consequences of meritocracy?
Answer: It resulted in widespread inequality and corruption, decreasing public trust.
Explanation: Chris Hayes argues that the rise of meritocracy has led to increased inequality and corruption, diminishing public trust in American institutions.
What is the main argument of Joseph Chan regarding Confucianism, liberalism, and democracy?
Answer: Confucianism can be compatible with and complement liberal democratic frameworks.
Explanation: Joseph Chan argues that Confucianism can be compatible with and complement liberal democratic frameworks, rather than being fundamentally incompatible.