229k views
2 votes
Maritain uses the analogy of the piano to suggest that, just as pianos can be said to be defective if they do not fulfill their function of producing the right sounds at the right time, so too can human beings be considered defective if they fail to fulfill their function. Which of the following is a potential concern raised by this view?

A. Lack of musical talent in individuals
B. Lack of appreciation for pianos
C. Failure to fulfill the human function
D. Lack of maintenance of pianos

User Ebrown
by
7.6k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The concern with Maritain's analogy is the Failure to fulfill the human function. It touches on themes of human freedom and determinism, while acknowledging human agency and ethical duties as complex factors guiding behavior, unlike the simplicity of tuning a piano.

Step-by-step explanation:

Maritain's analogy of the piano compares human beings to musical instruments, suggesting that like a piano that fails to produce the correct sounds, humans can be considered defective if they fail to fulfill their function. The potential concern raised by this view is C. Failure to fulfill the human function. This concern revolves around the philosophical quest for understanding human freedom, determinism, and ethical responsibility. Just as a piano tuner employs trial and error to achieve the right frequency, humans strive to function properly as an organic whole. However, unlike a piano, which is inanimate, humans possess the capacity for decision-making and the power to determine their own paths, a theme emphasized by the Mohists who condemn fatalism.

One critique of this view might stem from the idea that the functions of humans are not as rigid or predetermined as those of a piano and that unlike tuning a piano, guiding human behavior is a complex process influenced by myriad factors beyond simple mechanistic adjustments. This criticism aligns with arguments against a strict fact-value distinction and leans towards the understanding that humans, unlike objects governed solely by physical laws, have agency and moral responsibilities that shape their functions in a diverse and dynamic social context.

User Refaat
by
8.7k points