Bentham's Panopticon

The Panopticon is a design for a prison proposed by philosopher Jeremy Bentham in the late 18th century. It features a circular structure with a central watchtower, allowing a single guard to observe all inmates without them knowing if they are being watched. This constant possibility of surveillance encourages prisoners to regulate their own behavior, fostering a sense of self-discipline. The Panopticon represents ideas about power, control, and social monitoring, influencing not just prisons but also concepts of surveillance in society, highlighting how visibility can be a tool of authority and governance.