Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
What makes a martyr?
Position‹2 of 3›

Dying for others makes a martyr

This position holds that martyrdom is defined by whom the death serves rather than by what the person believed, so that a martyr is one who dies in place of others or for their sake, with sacrifice rather than conviction as the essential element.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. What is honoured in a martyr is the cost borne so that others would not bear it
  2. Conviction can be held at no cost to anyone, so belief alone cannot be the criterion