responsibility
ownership of what is said and done by an individual or wider agency. This may be qualified by a variety of contributory factors, but these do not 'explain away' the element of decision which rests with the person(s) speaking or acting. 'Respond-ability' is a capacity, which is strongly emphasised in Christian tradition as intrinsic to personal identity. The importance of other determinants, whether psychological or sociological, is also acknowledged, but their magnification is seen as threatening to humanity.