Obedience to Authority

by Stanley Milgram
Obedience to Authority cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Psychology and Human Behavior
Technical
  • ID: 3942
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780062803405
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2017-07-11
  • Reviews: 3

Stanley Milgram’s groundbreaking experiments in the 1960s challenged our understanding of human morality and free will. In these experiments, participants were instructed to administer increasingly painful electric shocks to another person, revealing a disturbing willingness to obey authority figures despite the moral implications. The book chronicles these controversial studies, which have profoundly influenced our understanding of human behavior under authority. With an introduction by Dr. Philip Zimbardo, known for the Stanford Prison Experiment, Obedience to Authority offers a compelling analysis of Milgram’s findings. The book not only details the experiments but also explores their broader implications for society, ethics, and the psychology of obedience. It remains a vital work for understanding the dynamics of authority and human behavior.

Reviews
Squire to the Giants · 2016-05-31
recommended 4.50

The book is thoroughly recommended for its insightful exploration of obedience and authority. It provides a deep understanding of the psychological aspects involved.

The reviewer from Squire to the Giants highly recommends 'Obedience to Authority' for its thorough exploration of the psychological dynamics of obedience. They find the book to be a compelling read that offers valuable insights into how individuals respond to authority figures. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the analysis and the practical implications of Milgram's findings.

Quick quotes

    I'd still thoroughly recommend the book 'Obedience to Authority' by Stanley Milgram.

    It provides a deep understanding of the psychological aspects involved.

    The book is a compelling read that offers valuable insights into how individuals respond to authority figures.

Doctor Kanayo Blog · 2012-05-20
insightful 4.50

The method of inquiry in this book is ingenious and scientifically sound. It provides a unique perspective on human behavior and obedience to authority.

The reviewer highlights the ingenuity of Milgram's experimental method, which remains awe-inspiring and scientifically robust. They appreciate how the book delves into the complexities of human behavior and the tendency to obey authority figures, even when it conflicts with personal morals. The reviewer finds the book insightful and thought-provoking, offering a deep understanding of the psychological dynamics at play.

Quick quotes

    Milgram's method of inquiry was ingenious; many are still in awe of how he came up with such a unique and scientifically sound method of testing.

    The book provides a unique perspective on human behavior and obedience to authority.

    It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the psychological dynamics of obedience.

The New York Times · Peter Singer · 1974-01-13
significant 4.00

Milgram's experiments have made us more aware of the dangers of uncritically accepting authority. The book is a significant contribution to understanding human behavior.

Peter Singer from The New York Times emphasizes the importance of Milgram's experiments in highlighting the risks of blindly following authority. They believe the book is a crucial read for understanding the complexities of human obedience and the potential dangers it poses. Singer appreciates Milgram's defense of his methods and the broader implications of his findings.

Quick quotes

    Milgram's experiments on obedience have made us more aware of the dangers of uncritically accepting authority.

    The book is a significant contribution to understanding human behavior.

    Milgram defends himself against all such charges and concludes, without warrant, that there is nothing to worry about.

Appears in Lists