EXPLANATIONS FOR OBEDIENCE Flashcards
Burger for the agentic state as an explanation of obedience
B: Agentic state definition
U: Individual acts as an agent for another’s wishes, reducing personal responsibility
R: Milgram’s study: Participants obeyed authority figure, administering shocks up to lethal levels
G: Strength: Explains how individuals can commit harmful acts under authority
E: Important for understanding moral disengagement in obedience contexts
R: Weakness: Does not explain gradual transitions in behavior (e.g., Nazi doctors)
Burger for legitimacy of authority as an explanation of obedience
B: Legitimacy of authority definition
U: Perception of social control; acceptance of commands from authority figures
R: Institutions (e.g., military, university) provide legitimate commands
G: Strength: Clarifies why people obey authority figures in institutional settings
E: Relevant for understanding societal structures and obedience dynamics
R: Weakness: Can justify harmful actions, raising ethical concerns about authority
