Targeting Civilians: Terrorism, Evil, and Moral Judgment

Jiayuan Wang

doi:10.54254/2753-7064/2025.HT28865

Communications in Humanities ResearchOpen access

Targeting Civilians: Terrorism, Evil, and Moral Judgment

Research Article

Open Access

Targeting Civilians: Terrorism, Evil, and Moral Judgment

Jiayuan Wang ^1*

¹ The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China

^*Corresponding author: jennifer_wjy2008@outlook.com

Published on 5 November 2025

CHR Vol.95

ISSN (Print): 2753-7072

ISSN (Online): 2753-7064

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-509-7

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-510-3

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Abstract

This article critically examines the moral and philosophical dimensions of terrorism, with a focus on the deliberate targeting of civilians. The discussion revolves around three fundamental questions: is attacking individuals considered terrorism, are such actions inherently immoral, and is it still necessary to investigate the underlying motivations? The study argues that deliberately instigating fear and violence among non-combatants aligns with essential concepts of terrorism, including definitions from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and the United Nations. The article thereafter employs utilitarian and Kantian frameworks to analyze ethical evaluation. Kant maintains that perceiving individuals as means rather than ends is a violation of categorical imperatives, rendering such actions intrinsically immoral, irrespective of intent. Conversely, a utilitarian perspective acknowledges intentions and outcomes, allowing for conditional moral justification, albeit at the peril of detrimental relativism and the validation of violent justifications. In response to Michael Walzer and Judith Butler's objections, the paper stresses the dangers of moral relativism and how controversial the word "terrorism" is. Ultimately, it concludes that whereas assaulting civilians constitutes both terrorism and malevolence, rectifying fundamental political disparities and preventing repetition necessitate an understanding of the underlying causes. The strategy achieves a balance between moral absolutes and practical elements in order to bring about justice and stability around the world.

Keywords:

terrorism, civilians, Kantian ethics, utilitarianism, moral relativism.

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References

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