To What Degree Should We Obey? Research Paper

Introduction

A. Why people obey? There are many factors that can be taken into consideration as to know why people or prisoners obey their authorities. Catedral believes “Obedience occurs when people follow a direct command.” (Catedral, p. 1) Psychologically speaking, structure and development of a society play an important role in obedience and it is closely associated with psychology. Historically, even normal people sometimes do evil acts of violence because of their own past incidents.

B. What is the psychology of prisoner abuse? Why do most prisoners’ authorities believe that prisoners should obey their saying even if right or wrong? In this regard, the study will discuss Iraq’s prison abuse scandal of 2004. (Wright, p. 3)

Human Psychology and Stanford Prison Experiment

A. According to Webber, a psychologist, “human nature is bound to obey orders under an authority.” (196) In this regard, this study will discuss of the most famous Stanford prison experiment conducted by Philip G. Zimbardo. In the experiment, 18 males were voluntarily appointed to participate in research of prison life and were judged to be stable and mature and were randomly assigned roles of either ‘prisoner’ or ‘guard.’ (Webber, p. 196)

B. Furthermore, the paper will critically discuss the research conducted by Philip Zimbardo and its aftermaths. The following will be covered:

1. The Stanford prison experiment
2. Goals of the study conducted by Zimbardo.
3. Criticism of the experiment

Milgram’s Study & Abu Gharib Jail Scandal

A. The paper will answer the question in the light of some good literature review — what percentage of individuals are expected to show abusive and sadistic behavior to others when power is given to them. In this regard, the study will focus some points of Milgram study.

B. In light of the study conducted by Zimbardo, the paper will discuss some of the main reasons of abusive behavior. In this context, we will reveal some main factors behind the Abu Gharib Jail scandal. For instance, the following issues will be discussed:

1. Training
2. Staffing
3. Direction
4. Supervision and
5. Accountability

Different Officers’ Tactics and Prisoners’ Behavior

A. Different officers use different tactics when persuading prisoners to obey them. While some emphasize on human service function and build moderate behavior with prisoners, according to Webber, some officers believe that the “pains of imprisonment are delivered daily in an orderly and controlled environment.” (Webber, p. 196)

B. The paper will also discuss some bases of obedience and authority, “There’s a line that can’t be crossed. If someone gives you authority to do something and it is illegal, then actually the soldier is under an obligation to refuse to obey the order.” (Iraq Trials Expect ‘Following Orders, p. A09’)

Sexual Harassment cases in American Jail

The topic will also briefly discuss about sexual harassment cases in American Jails (undue influences). (James E, p. 1)

Conclusion

1. What are the outcomes of the paper?
2. In the light of some good literature review and two real experiments conducted by Philip G. Zimbardo and Milgram, an explanation as to how this study will be helpful for humans to think about “obey and authority.”
3. Has the objective of the study been achieved?

Works Cited

1. Catedral, Athena, “Just Following Orders,” AC Magazine Article, (2006)p. 1.
2. Henman, Robert. “A Spirituality of Obedience: Equal in God’s Eyes Only?”Quodlibet Journal Vol. 7.2 (2005).
3. Presley, Sharon. “Positive Steps to Becoming Less Vulnerable to Influence and Authority.:” Free Inquiry 15.1 (1999) p. 29+
4. Robertson, James E. “Cruel and Unusual Punishment in United States Prisons: Sexual Harassment Among Male Inmates.” American Criminal Law Review 36.1 (1999) p. 1.
5. Scarborough, Rowan. “Iraq trials expect ‘following orders’ defense; But troops are required to refuse illegal commands,” Washington Times, (2004),p. A09
6. Van den Haag, Ernest. “Not Above The Law.” National Review 43.18 (1991) pp. 35-36.
7. Webber, Jonathan. “Virtue, Character and Situation.” Journal of Moral Philosophy 3.2 (2006) pp.193-213.
8. Wolfson Andrew. “A hoax most cruel,” Courier Journal, (2005) p. 4
9. Wright, Rusty. “The Psychology of Prisoner Abuse,” Journal Article, (2004 ) p. 3