Final answer:
In John Gardner's novel, the Shaper uses art to shape society and culture, reflecting Gardner's philosophy regarding the artist as an influential craftsman whose work reflects moral responsibilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
In John Gardner's novel, the Shaper represents the artist's moral responsibility by demonstrating Gardner's philosophy of art. The Shaper, who is an exalted figure in the novel, uses his art to shape the perceptions and the culture of those around him. This reflects on three aspects of Gardner's philosophy: firstly, that there is no strict border between the artist and the craftsman, secondly, that the artist is seen as an exalted craftsman, and thirdly, that form follows function in art. The moral responsibility in this context involves shaping society and culture through artistic expression. Additionally, the novel alludes to Plato's idea of the craftsman and the shaping of reality according to a pattern, suggesting that an artist, like the Shaper, has the power to influence and change perceptions of reality.