Document Type
Article
Abstract
The Stanford Prison Experiment is widely known for offering insight into the responsible conduct of research as well as how prisoners and prison guards fall easily into potentially harmful roles. As the principal investigator of the study, Philip Zimbardo became a polarizing figure in the social sciences -- both celebrated as a pioneering hero and criticized for ethical shortcomings -- while consistently engaging with his critics throughout his career (Zimbardo, n.d.). Highlighting Zimbardo’s influence on the protection of human research participants, this article uses details from Zimbardo’s self-reflections and insights on the paradoxes of heroism to convey how research personalities and organizational structures produce social constructions about the character of scientists and the practice of science. Zimbardo’s legacy reminds us that the responsible conduct of research depends not only on thoughtful investigators, but also on supportive institutions and meticulous attention to procedural detail. He can be seen as both an exemplar and a gadfly -- his heroic journey shaped by public scrutiny, professional culture, and his own evolving self-awareness.
DOI
10.26736/hs.2025.01.06
Recommended Citation
Thorkildsen, Theresa A.
(2025)
"Paradoxical Forms of Scientific Heroism When Responsibly Conducting Research,"
Heroism Science: Vol. 10:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
DOI: 10.26736/hs.2025.01.06
Available at:
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/heroism-science/vol10/iss1/6