Trivium on Nostr: For reference. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rdrKCilEhC0 ...

For reference.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rdrKCilEhC0

quoting note1cge…llfy

The Appeal to Authority is the most dangerous Logical Fallacy, as demonstrated by the Milgram Experiment.

A History:

The Milgram experiment, conducted by Stanley Milgram (Sanford University) in the 1960s, explored the human tendency to obey authority figures, even when it conflicts with personal moral principles.

Milgram’s research was inspired by the trial of Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi official responsible for organizing the Holocaust. Eichmann’s defense, that he was simply following orders, raised questions about the role of obedience in perpetuating evil acts. Milgram sought to investigate whether ordinary people would similarly obey authority figures, even if it meant causing harm to others.

Experimental Design:

In July 1961, Milgram recruited 40 male participants from New Haven, Connecticut, and randomly assigned them to be either “teachers” or “learners.” The participants were told that the experiment aimed to study the effects of punishment on learning.

The teacher was seated in a room with a shock generator and a button to administer electric shocks to the learner, who was actually a confederate (an actor).

The learner was placed in a separate room and instructed to answer memory questions.

For each incorrect answer, the teacher was instructed to increase the shock level, up to a maximum of 450 volts.

The teacher believed the learner was receiving real electric shocks, while in reality, the shocks were fake.

Results
Despite the participants’ initial reluctance, over 60% of them continued to administer shocks up to the maximum level, even when the learner protested and eventually became silent. Only 26% of participants stopped at 300 volts or lower.

Key Findings

Obedience to Authority: The experiment demonstrated that people are willing to obey authority figures, even when it conflicts with their personal moral principles.

Deindividuation: Participants’ anonymity and lack of personal responsibility contributed to their willingness to administer shocks.

Justification: Many participants rationalized their actions, citing the importance of the experiment and the need to follow instructions.