The Experiment In The Perils Of Obedience By Stanley Milgram

The experiment in “The Perils of Obedience” by Stanley Milgram, Yale psychologist, has triggered many responses to the question of an individual’s willingness to obey and the credibility of the experiment he performed. Ian Parker, a regular writer for the New Yorker and common voice in other political/scientific compositions, has come to the table with his opinion and outside sources to discuss the facts of Milgram’s experiment and its consequences in his essay, “Obedience.” Milgram claims through his experiment on obedience we can logically determine an idea of the thought processes of the Nazis (Milgriam 89). This experiment arrived at the conclusion that people are surprisingly obedient to a legitimate authority figure even when the orders …show more content…
According to Parker’s article, many volunteers claim that they realized something was astray which would obviously skew results. Milgram may lead a response to that with the fact some people are to prideful to admit when they are tricked, so who’s to say that didn’t happen here? Parker believes that Milgram quickly jumped the gun and created a “powerful piece of tragicomic laboratory theatre.” Parker is implying that the experiment seems to not have potential as credible data but used as an entertainment factor while the Nazi obedience ordeal was popular, thus could lack important variables. Parker continues to argue the point of the experiment seemed to not only focus on obedience but the power of situation (Parker 103). He claims that the subject needed a clearer way to disobey to improve this experiment. Milgram would argue that in real life scenarios no one tells you that you can disobey if you want, it is up to the individual if they certainly feel uncomfortable and uneasy to stand up for their morals. An article over Milgram and his experience from Wayne State University’s psychology department would logically bring attention to the credentials of Yale University and how that may affect the subjects’ thoughts: Why would you think that a large highly regarded university performs potentially dangerous experiments to random volunteers (Wayne State)? It discusses how this is a relevant factor in the subjects decision making. Milgram would state that the Nazis were in the same boat. Why would a German citizen question their powerful and prestigious government? They know what the best for their country is. The thought process is reasonably relatable making the data fair to