The Twin Towers as Martyrs-A Philosophical Idea and Some of Its Problems

The term "martyr" has meant many different things to many people of different faiths throughout history. "Martyr" derives from the Greek word for "witness". It is akin to at least three conventional definitions: 1) one who chooses to suffer or die or is tortured or killed for their faith or principles; 2) one who suffers great pain or misery for a long time; 3) one who assumes an attitude of self-sacrifice or suffering in order to arouse feelings of pity, guilt, etc. in others. These definitions indicate that a martyr is a self-actualized actor.