I think a much more interesting take on Milgram is one presented by Radio Lab in which it’s put forth that people were particularly likely to obey due to the spirit of scientific exceptionalism during that era. Science had won WWII, science was responsible for our prosperity and was making life better for everyone on earth, and they were helping that cause. It was idealism and optimism that prompted people to go beyond their own bounds in the pursuit of the greater good, rather than cynicism and obedience.
Also of note was that everyone who continued all the way to the final shock never heard the final prompt (“You have no other choice, teacher; you must go on”). Anyone who did hear that prompt would instantly fight back and refuse to continue. Being told you have no other choice was apparently counter-productive and would trigger resistance.
And if the spirit of scientific exceptionalism is still present, then this explanation does little to undermine the practical significance of Milgram’s findings.
I think a much more interesting take on Milgram is one presented by Radio Lab in which it’s put forth that people were particularly likely to obey due to the spirit of scientific exceptionalism during that era. Science had won WWII, science was responsible for our prosperity and was making life better for everyone on earth, and they were helping that cause. It was idealism and optimism that prompted people to go beyond their own bounds in the pursuit of the greater good, rather than cynicism and obedience.
Also of note was that everyone who continued all the way to the final shock never heard the final prompt (“You have no other choice, teacher; you must go on”). Anyone who did hear that prompt would instantly fight back and refuse to continue. Being told you have no other choice was apparently counter-productive and would trigger resistance.
But they’ve repeated the study today, and have the same numbers. Unless you’re saying that spirit of scientific exceptionalism is still present?
And if the spirit of scientific exceptionalism is still present, then this explanation does little to undermine the practical significance of Milgram’s findings.