In a world often shrouded in darkness, the light of heroism shines through the actions of ordinary individuals who dare to stand up for what is right. The Stanford Prison Experiment, a seminal study conducted by Professor Philip Zimbardo in 1973, delved into the depths of human behavior, revealing the capacity for both cruelty and compassion within us all. This experiment, although controversial, ignited a flame within Zimbardo, propelling him from the study of evil to the exploration of heroism.
The Stanford Prison Experiment (SPE) is one of the most notorious psychological studies in history. Conducted in 1971 by Dr. Philip Zimbardo, it aimed to understand the psychology of prison life. The experiment was abruptly halted after just six days due to the escalating cruelty exhibited by the guards towards the prisoners. Zimbardo concluded that the situational power dynamics led ordinary individuals to behave in sadistic ways.