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]