Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais The Psychology of Evil | Dr. Philip Zimbardo
Sep 8, 2021
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Philip Zimbardo, professor emeritus at Stanford University and the mind behind the Stanford Prison Experiment, dives deep into the complex nature of good and evil. He discusses how situational pressures can compel ordinary people to commit shocking acts, revealing chilling insights from his decades of research. Zimbardo also sheds light on his current work with the Heroic Imagination Project, emphasizing the importance of fostering heroism in everyone. This thought-provoking dialogue reshapes our understanding of morality and human behavior.
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High School Classmates
- Philip Zimbardo and Stanley Milgram were high school classmates.
- Milgram, a brilliant but unpopular student, questioned if situations, not personalities, dictated actions.
Power of Situations
- Milgram's obedience study revealed that situations powerfully influence behavior.
- 65% of participants, contrary to expert predictions, administered the highest shock.
Stanford Prison Experiment Design
- Zimbardo designed the Stanford Prison Experiment to test situational influence in a realistic setting.
- He aimed to create a powerful, immersive environment with clearly defined roles.
