Single Idea 23098

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / g. Moral responsibility]

Full Idea

Psychological states are relevant to the degree of an agent's moral responsibility, while the effects of their actions are relevant to whether the agents are liable to moral responsibility.

Gist of Idea

Effects show the existence of moral responsibility, and mental states show the degree

Source

John Kekes (Against Liberalism [1997], 03.5)

Book Reference

Kekes,John: 'Against Liberalism' [Cornell 1997], p.63


A Reaction

He has previously offered a problem case for this, where someone's social role makes them fully responsible whatever their mental state. I still think his distinction is helpful. 1) Whose fault is it, then 2) How far are they to blame? Normal practice.

Related Idea

Idea 23095 Why should moral responsibility depend on autonomy, rather than social role or experience? [Kekes]