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MENTAL MODEL · M6313

Obedience to Authority

Obedience to Authority
BehaviorHigh supportSocial Psychology
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Under the command of authority, ordinary people are willing to inflict extremely cruel electric shocks on others. Simply because a 'person in a white coat' says 'please continue.' The human instinct to obey authority far exceeds imagination.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

The circuit breaker of conscience. In organizations, do not overestimate employees' moral bottom line. If the system (authority) requires wrongdoing, the vast majority will execute it. It is necessary to cut off the chain of wrongdoing in system design, rather than relying on individual conscience.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Refers to the willingness of individuals to perform acts that conflict with their conscience under the instruction of authority, revealing how hierarchy and responsibility transfer weaken moral resistance.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milgram_experimentZH · Explicit
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