Harmdoing

Harmdoing is the act or process of causing harm to others, whether through action, omission, or failure to prevent harm. The term covers physical, psychological, financial, environmental, and social harms and can be intentional or negligent. Harm may be direct, as in violence; indirect, as in negligence; or systemic, arising from institutions or policies that harm individuals or groups.

In ethical discourse, harmdoing is analyzed through various frameworks. Consequentialists assess whether the outcomes justify harms; deontologists condemn harm-doing when it violates duties or rights regardless of consequences; virtue ethicists consider whether an action reflects a virtuous or vicious character.

Legally, harmdoing may incur liability when there is intentional harm or negligence. Criminal law addresses intentional or reckless acts that injure others; civil law covers torts and duties of care. Some harms may be excused or justified in contexts such as self-defense or necessity.

Medical ethics centers on non-maleficence, the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients. Public policy and business ethics also examine harm reduction—minimizing pain, risk, and inequity even when other goals are served.

Sociologists and political theorists emphasize structural harm, where harm results from power imbalances, institutions, or policies rather than from the actions of a single agent. Measuring harm can be contentious, as perceptions and thresholds vary across cultures and contexts.

See also: harm, wrongdoing, non-maleficence, harm reduction.