WHAT MAKES HUMANS CAPABLE OF SUCH INCREDIBLE CRUELTY TOWARDS EACH OTHER?

There is no other species that is capable of such extreme cruelty towards each other, who fight each other and wage war. Looking back in history is often proof enough so what makes humans capable of such cruelty? Are they born that way or are there other factors that come into play like Philip Zimbardo and Milgram suggest? Or is Socrates right and is there a completely different explanation? Do your research and determine your position then write your essay.

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Start thinking

• “Humanity of animals and evil of humans” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBvCNXHAOG8

 Material to make notes on:

• “BBC Future – Are we naturally good or bad?” http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20130114-are-we-naturally-good-or-bad

·         “10 Reasons humans are naturally evil” http://listverse.com/2013/05/23/10-reasons-humans-are-naturally-evil/

·         “Everyone is a potential torturer” http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn6727-everyone-is-a-potential-torturer.html#.VM-iU9KL0mg

·         “The Stanford Prison Experiment” www.prisoanexp.org

·         “Milgram’s obedience experiments” http://psychology.about.com/od/historyofpsychology/a/milgram.htm

·         “Are humans born evil? http://www.debate.org/opinions/are-humans-born-evil

·         “A Socratic perspective on the nature of human evil” http://www.socraticmethod.net/socratic_essay_nature_of_human_evil.htm

Videos to watch and make notes on:

·         “Psychology: electric shock experiment (Milgram experiment)” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b7YFtiE5EA

·         “Are kids born good or evil? An experiment to discover the answer” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLYRDsJADgg

·         “Are humans naturally violent?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_QE1RWykJI