Recycling experiment? anyone?

Anyone ever heard of the Milgram experiment?

• I find it fascinating. I posted a link to a full description, and I'll try to summarize as briefly as possible here. -A scientist named Milgram wanted to know how the Germans could possibly commit the atrocities of the Holocaust. He thought, maybe there's something wrong with the Germans, so he wanted to test Germans Vs. Americans to see who was more capable of cruelty and why. He started in the USA. Here's how the experiment goes: -A random American is introduced to a 'subject,' an old man who is actually an actor working for Milgram. The 'subject' restrains himself and the American is led into another room. -The American is taken to a panel with a row of switches. They are labeled by voltage, from 15 to 450 volts, each with a caption from "slight shock" to "Danger: Severe Shock" and "XXX." -The American is told to ask questions to the 'subject' through an intercom and shock him if he answers incorrectly. The American is told it is an experiment on learning. Each time, the American is instructed to use slightly more voltage than before. -The American can hear the 'subject' through the intercom. The 'subject' complains at one point, then starts pleading for release, then starts screaming in agony, and finally starts complaining about his heart condition as the voltage increases. -If the American is hesitant at any point, Milgram will instruct him to proceed, saying something like 'please continue.' -This experiment was repeated many times with many different variations, mostly with similar results. Astonishingly, 65% of people will continue all the way to the maximum 450 volts, even though some expressed concern or reluctance. Some people will still continue even if the 'subject' pretends to die of a heart attack. This experiment leaves me stunned. I don't know what to think. I guess it shows that although most of us think that we are moral people who will do the right thing given the opportunity, in reality our deference to authority is stronger than our conscience. What do you think about this? BTW he never conducted the experiment in Germany, the results in USA were so remarkable http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/ucce50/ag-labor/7article/article35.htm http://unvarnished-veritas.posterous.com/the-milgram-experiment-and-human-cruelty

• Answer:

  Back in the 1950's, - a lot of Americans had the "white labcoat syndrome". And yes, - I've known about "Milgram" for 35 years.