Humans are interesting creatures.

Evolution has provided our brains with massive frontal lobeses which give us the ability to empathize,

to plan our approach to tasks, and to imagine outcomes before acting on impulses.

But we are far from perfect. It's not difficult to find examples of ordinary humans carrying out terrible acts of violence, exhibiting complacency rather than taking personal responsibility, or discriminating against other humans simply

due to the circumstances of their birth. The reasons behind these darker aspects of

the human condition have long presented a challenge for psychologists.

Today we're going to talk about four social psychology experiments that help us to understand the darker side of what it means to be human.

I'm Robert Duff, and this is the Hardcore Spooky Podcast.

If you are a regular listener of the show, you've already noticed that we're doing something a little bit different today.

Rather than a normal question and answer episode,

I wanted to get into the Halloween spirit

and do something a little more spooky.

If you are a listener of the LORE podcast, you can probably tell that this episode is heavily influenced by the style of that show.

If you have not yet, please check out the LORE Podcast or the new show on Amazon.

One more thing before I talk about these experiments. or the new show on Amazon.

One more thing before I talk about these experiments,

the content of this episode will deal with things like murder, racism,

obedience to authority, and unethical experiments.

Please be advised if these are sensitive subjects for you.

On March 13, 1964, Kitty Genovese was murdered in cold blood in front of her home.

She parked her car just front of her home.

She parked her car just feet from her apartment,

...