Final answer:
The Third Wave, Milgram's Experiment, and Night/the Holocaust are all related through the theme of obedience to authority and how it can lead people to act against their moral convictions. Milgram's Experiment found that two-thirds of participants were willing to administer painful shocks when instructed by an authority figure, but variations to the experiment showed situational factors can alter obedience rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Third Wave, Milgram's Experiment, and Night/the Holocaust have a significant commonality in that they all relate to the concepts of obedience to authority and the potential for ordinary people to engage in harmful behaviors when following orders. These topics demonstrate how social pressure and the presence of authoritative figures can lead individuals to act in ways that conflict with their moral beliefs.
Stanley Milgram's Obedience Experiment
Stanley Milgram's landmark experiment, conducted in 1963, explored the conflict between obedience to authority and personal conscience. His findings revealed that a substantial majority of participants were willing to administer what they believed were painful electric shocks to others, simply because an authority figure instructed them to do so. Approximately two-thirds of participants complied, demonstrating a surprising propensity for obedience even in morally challenging situations.
Variations Influence Obedience
Milgram carried out several variations of his original experiment, which showed that changes in the experimental setup could significantly affect obedience. For instance, when the learner's humanity was emphasized or the authority figure's presence was less imposing, the rate of obedience decreased. These variations highlight the influence of situational factors on people's willingness to obey orders that could potentially harm others.