Experimenter

In 1961, Yale University witnessed the conception of an experiment that would continue to evoke discussion and debate even today. Stanley Milgram designed this psychological study where individuals were made to believe they were administering painful electric shocks to a person seated in another room. Despite the apparent distress of their unseen subject who pleaded for relief, most participants adhered diligently to the experiment's instructions, escalating the intensity of the simulated shocks. This chilling exploration into human obedience and propensity towards compliance was set against the backdrop of Nazi Adolf Eichmann’s trial, resonating with a nation grappling with notions of authority, morality, and responsibility. While Milgram's pioneering work earned him accolades from certain quarters, it also cast him as a manipulative figure in others' eyes. Through it all, his wife Sasha remained unwavering in her support for him. This story delves into the intricate dynamics of obedience and authority, questioning how far people are willing to go when they are instructed to do so by an authoritative figure.