A Synthesis of Conscience vs. Obedience

When individuals relinquish their own autonomy for the benefit of the larger group, they are no longer individual but products of conformity. Obedience to authority can become dangerous when morality and independent thought are stifled to the point that harm is inflicted upon another person. "The Perils of Obedience," by Stanley Milgram reports on his controversial experiment that tested how far individuals would go in obeying orders, even if carrying out those orders caused serious harm to others (Milgram 316-28). …