Obituary Phil Zimbardo

Professor Philip George Zimbardo (New York, March 23, 1933 – San Francisco, October 14, 2024) passed away last 14th October. An American psychologist and university professor of Italian descent, who was an outstanding scholar and certainly one of the most renowned figures in the international psychology community and also, at times, a controversial figure.

His character and dedication to life made him an inspiring role model for new generations of students and researchers, who could draw strength from his energy in research and his approach to life. His teachings will shape a psychology capable of fostering both individual and social well-being.

He initially became famous for his 1970s study on how violent institutions, such as prisons, can incite violence in “normal” people. The simulated prison experiment, conducted in the basements of Stanford University, is a pillar in social psychology experimental research and becomes a monitor to depict the need for ethical grounds in scientific research. His studies also inspired the film “The Stanford Experiment” demonstrating that people are not born evil but are shaped by social factors that contribute to the development of violent behaviors.

He was a keynote speaker at the 14th European Congress of Psychology (7–10 July 2015), organized by INPA, Italian Network of Psychologists’ Associations, under the auspices of the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations, in Milan, Italy, which was attended by over 3,000 participants. On that occasion, his keynote speech, “Transforming Evil into Heroism”, outlined the safeguards we can implement to prevent corruption or being corrupted by others. He also explored what distinguishes heroes and heroines—those who resist powerful group pressures and maintain personal integrity.

In 2015, in “Man Disconnected: How Technology Has Sabotaged What It Means to Be Male”, he provided a thoughtful example of emerging clinical symptoms such as excessive gaming, pornography use, apathy, and drug abuse. He argued that digital technologies create alternative worlds that many boys find less demanding and more rewarding than real life, but which are ultimately harmful.

More recently, in a candid and personal dialogue in “My Life Revealed” (2021), Zimbardo reflected on his life and career. He shared stories of his childhood in Sicily and the Bronx, his education at Yale, his friendship with Stanley Milgram, his appointment to the Stanford psychology faculty, his research and academic contributions, his involvement in political activism, his meeting Malcolm X and his engagement for the empowerment of young and poor  Sicilian boys.

The last time I met him, was in Naples in 2019. He was already 86 years old, attending the conference “From Hate to Hope”, organized in collaboration with Santo Di Nuovo and Antony Scioli. He spent his time on the terrace of my Naples home, enjoying the city’s beauty and food!

For all of us, Phil was a source of wisdom and a reminder to our younger colleagues. My thoughts go to the students who accompanied him during his stay in Naples, acquiring an unforgettable example of strength and resilience. Many photos, emotions, and memories of shared experiences between Italy, Europe, and America remain in our hearts.

prof. Caterina Arcidiacono,

On behalf of INPA board, Italy.