Is there a moral basis for the concept of blame
 

All people are the product of their starting materials and the experiences that mold them. Even if you believe in some kind of immortal soul, I don't see how someone can control the kind of soul they are given. Therefore is there a legitimate basis for saying someone is at fault in a strictly moral sense? Or is blame merely a socially useful concept? In that context does it make any sense to say someone deserves to die, or forfeits their right to life if they kill another person?

Re: Is there a moral basis for the concept of blame
 

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Therefore is there a legitimate basis for saying someone is at fault in a strictly moral sense? Or is blame merely a socially useful concept?

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A strictly moral sense is the same and only socially useful concept to determine 'moral' culpability.

In other words, morality is subjective and its legitimacy is determined by societal standards in the status quo.

Re: Is there a moral basis for the concept of blame
 

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All people are the product of their starting materials and the experiences that mold them. Even if you believe in some kind of immortal soul, I don't see how someone can control the kind of soul they are given. Therefore is there a legitimate basis for saying someone is at fault in a strictly moral sense? Or is blame merely a socially useful concept? In that context does it make any sense to say someone deserves to die, or forfeits their right to life if they kill another person?

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....well, it might be for many, as 'morality' as defined by some people has a strong dose of 'right or wrong' attached to its' meaning, and by its own nature needs to assign a 'right or wrong' to justify its basis.

....for others, it might be what they would consider a logical extension of 'cause & effect' where the concept of 'blame' is assigned to the 'cause' function of 'cause & effect' to further elaborate & explain it.