Stanford Prison Experiment Philip G Zimbardo

Obedience and individuality must have a balance in order for a society to function alls well. According to head researcher and acting warden, Philip G. Zimbardo, the main purpose of The Stanford Prison Experiment would be to study and to understand the roles people develop in prison. In order to discover the roles that humans take in prison environments, Zimbardo would convert the basement of Stanford University into a mock prison. Twenty-four healthy male college students would participate in this experiment; however, half would be acting as prisoners and the latter as guards. This experiment would go on for two weeks to fully analyze the ending result of the mock environment. The end goal was to learn about the process by which each person learns to become compliant or authoritarian. Although, one could argue that in the end, it was unethical to carry out this study

The first example of cruelty expressed by the guards formed quickly after each party was dehumanized. Slowly a symbiotic relationship formed whereas guards became more aggressive, the prisoners would become more obedient. Throughout the experiment, guards would make comments such as, “ I wanted to go back in the cell and have a go with him, since he attacked me when I wasn’t ready;” or “ but we were always there to show them who was boss.” This relationship resulted in three prisoners having to be let go because of extreme depression and other fits of rage, within the first few days. And as Zimbardo had discussed the study, he made the analysis that, “ from the first to the last day, there was a significant increase in the guards’ use of most of these domineering, abusive tactics.” The fact that Zimbardo could clearly see that discovery, and still continue this experiment is extraordinary. This experiment has blatantly expressed itself that it is unethical in its torturous