Based on Zimbardo's presentation (click link below to view), what is the most powerful determinant of whether human beings do good or harm?
A human is more likely to do good or harm based upon the situation, the influence upon them and if they take that first step to harm. Being in a new situation where one is unfamiliar also can increase the chances of doing bad. An example is the Milgram experiments where it starts with an amount of electric shock, up to a tortuous amount. Taking that first step in an evil path can continue to causing serious harm.
What does Zimbardo say can we do to make it more likely for people to do good, and less likely for them to do harm?
Be willing to think about the situation. It is necessary to think about what we are doing, and be willing to not follow blindly. It also may mean breaking up certain groups and being uncomfortable. It also means taking responsibility for our own actions. As was pointed out in the Milgram experiment, people asked who would be responsible for what happens to the person as the shock amount went up; when they were absolved of any responsibility they were willing to keep going. The actions of the guards at Abu Ghraib stemmed from a sense of lack of responsibility for their actions, since they were under orders. I would say that holding people directly responsible for their own actions is the most important aspect for increasing people’s choice to do good.
We have a basic obligation to expect people to do the right thing; by not expecting this we violate people’s rights. The perpetuation of evil violates people’s rights; while the solution may also violate some basic autonomy I think it is better to have ones autonomy violated for good than for evil.
