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.