Milgram Experiment: Obedience to Authority

Dec 8, 2024

NOVA: Taking Orders to Be Violent Might Be Easier Than You Think

Overview

  • The content focuses on a recreation of the Milgram Shock Experiment by two researchers at a Polish university.
  • The original Milgram experiment explored the willingness of individuals to follow orders from authority figures, even if the orders involve violence.
  • This topic is categorized under "Body + Brain" on the NOVA website.

Key Points

  • Milgram Experiment Background

    • Conducted by Stanley Milgram in the 1960s.
    • Aimed to understand the extent to which individuals would obey authority figures.
    • Involved participants believing they were delivering electric shocks to others.
    • Found a high level of compliance, indicating a strong influence of authority.
  • Recreation of the Experiment

    • Polish researchers conducted a modern version of this experiment.
    • Examined contemporary responses to authority commands involving violence.
    • Results suggest that obedience to authority is still prevalent.

Implications

  • The findings reinforce the concept that people tend to comply with authority figures, even when tasks involve unethical actions.
  • Raises questions about moral responsibility and the limits of authority.

Additional Content

  • Related Videos and Topics
    • "The Violence Paradox"
    • "Are Babies Capable of Making Moral Judgements?"
    • "Can Science Predict Mass Murder?"
  • Website Navigation
    • Offers various topics related to science and technology, such as Planet Earth, Space, Military, and more.

Support and Funding

  • Supported by national corporate funding, specifically by Carlisle Companies.
  • Major funding from NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.

Conclusion

  • The experiment’s recreation underscores the enduring relevance of the original findings.
  • Highlights the ease with which individuals may be led to act against their moral principles under authoritative commands.