Morality and Obedience

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer points out that obedience is a basic element in the structure of social life. Some system of authority is a requirement of every civilization. The writer notes that the impulse to obey, however, is based in the authority, or power, something or someone has over us. The writer looks at what effect does peoples' tendency to obey a figure or system of authority have on their willingness to act against their personal system of morals and ethics. Furthermore, the writer discusses why a person, who believes he or she is being told what to do by someone they feel has legitimate authority to dictate her behaviors, will do things that she thinks are morally wrong. The writer concludes that when the influence of authority conflicts with a set of morals and values, most people will do what is safe rather than do what is right.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Authority and Accountability
Social Perspectives of Obedience
Stanley Milgram's Research: Summary
Stanley Milgram's Research: Implications
Obedience in School Children
Conclusion
References

From the Paper:

"Most children naturally develop the desire to help others when they're in need. However, as they get older they begin to lose the tendency to act on altruistically if their actions are opposed by an authority figure or a simplistic rule.
"One study was done on obedience in elementary school children in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In this study, a young woman sits and plays with two kindergartners. The woman is a research assistant for psychologist Ervin Straub. At some point during their play, the woman gets up, tells the kids she's leaving them alone for a while, and tells them to stay there in the room. She then closes the door behind her. The kids hear a crash and then a child's cry, from the playroom they've been told is next door."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cassell, E.J. (2005). "Consent or Obedience? Power and Authority in Medicine". The New England Journal of Medicine, 352(4), 328-330.
• Clark, K. (August, 2001). "Bringing up bold babies". U.S. News & World Report, 131(7), 76-77.
• Knouse, S. (1979). "Toward a Psychological Theory of Accountability". Interfaces 9(3), 58.
• Limerick, D.C. (1976). "Authority Relations in Different Organizational Systems". The Academy of Management Review, 1(4), 56.
• Milgram, S. (2004). Obedience to Authority: An Experimental View. Harper Perennial Modern Classics.

More papers on Morality and Obedience:

• Analytical Essay # 131191 : "Stanley Milgram and Obedience"
• Term Paper # 101224 : "The Role of Human Obedience"
• Analytical Essay # 9078 : "The Perils of Obedience" and the "Stanford Prison Experiment"

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