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;
Legally, harmdoing may incur liability when there is intentional harm or negligence. Criminal law addresses intentional
Medical ethics centers on non-maleficence, the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients. Public policy and
Sociologists and political theorists emphasize structural harm, where harm results from power imbalances, institutions, or policies
See also: harm, wrongdoing, non-maleficence, harm reduction.