The Panopticon

The Panopticon is a design for a prison created by philosopher Jeremy Bentham in the late 18th century. It features a central observation tower surrounded by cells, allowing guards to monitor inmates without them knowing when they are being watched. This setup encourages prisoners to regulate their own behavior, as they cannot see if they are being observed. The concept extends beyond prisons, suggesting that constant surveillance can influence behavior in society. The Panopticon symbolizes how power and control can be exercised through observation, questioning the balance between security and individual freedom in modern life.