Stephen Gibson is a social psychologist based at York St John University. His research interests are in the areas of social influence, social identity, peace and conflict, citizenship and rhetorical/discursive psychology.

• 1. Introduction; 2. The obedience experiments; 3. Re-evaluating Milgram; 4. A rhetorical perspective; 5. From standardised procedure to flexible rhetoric; 6. From proximity to argumentation; 7. From passive agents to active rhetoricians; 8. From a physical to a rhetorical metaphor; 9. Conclusion.

'Stephen Gibson's superb book looks at social psychology's most famous experiment. By closely examining what actually occurred, Gibson shows that Milgram's obedience studies were not really about obedience. In focusing on Milgram, Gibson offers a sophisticated, original analysis of social psychology itself.' Michael Billig, Emeritus Professor, Loughborough University

Stephen Gibson is a social psychologist based at York St John University. His research interests are in the areas of social influence, social identity, peace and conflict, citizenship and rhetorical/discursive psychology.

• 1. Introduction; 2. The obedience experiments; 3. Re-evaluating Milgram; 4. A rhetorical perspective; 5. From standardised procedure to flexible rhetoric; 6. From proximity to argumentation; 7. From passive agents to active rhetoricians; 8. From a physical to a rhetorical metaphor; 9. Conclusion.

'Stephen Gibson's superb book looks at social psychology's most famous experiment. By closely examining what actually occurred, Gibson shows that Milgram's obedience studies were not really about obedience. In focusing on Milgram, Gibson offers a sophisticated, original analysis of social psychology itself.' Michael Billig, Emeritus Professor, Loughborough University

Stephen Gibson is a social psychologist based at York St John University. His research interests are in the areas of social influence, social identity, peace and conflict, citizenship and rhetorical/discursive psychology.

• 1. Introduction; 2. The obedience experiments; 3. Re-evaluating Milgram; 4. A rhetorical perspective; 5. From standardised procedure to flexible rhetoric; 6. From proximity to argumentation; 7. From passive agents to active rhetoricians; 8. From a physical to a rhetorical metaphor; 9. Conclusion.

'Stephen Gibson's superb book looks at social psychology's most famous experiment. By closely examining what actually occurred, Gibson shows that Milgram's obedience studies were not really about obedience. In focusing on Milgram, Gibson offers a sophisticated, original analysis of social psychology itself.' Michael Billig, Emeritus Professor, Loughborough University