Scott McLemee delves into the powerful symbolism of the panopticon, a concept that resonates through various layers of contemporary culture.
Surveillance Society
Though it may not be a household term, “panopticon” frequently finds its way into news narratives, symbolizing our current “surveillance society.” Stemming from Greek roots, the term embodies an “all-seeing” quality.
In a journalism context, it often highlights pervasive surveillance—think of the multitude of cameras dotting public places and the relentless tracking of our online behaviors.
From every click to each keystroke, vast data companies meticulously collect, analyze, and store our digital footprints.
Originally, the panopticon was a prison design imagined by British philosopher Jeremy Bentham in the late 18th century.
It was a radical and, at times, unsettling vision that gradually melded into the fabric of societal structure.
A Radical Prison Design
Picture a cylindrical building featuring floors adorned with rows of individual cells, all encircling a central watchtower.
This central observation point allows staff to see every inmate clearly, especially at night when lamps illuminate the darkness.
However, the prisoners, shielded from sight, remain oblivious to who monitors them or even if they’re being watched, thanks to a clever system of one-way screens.
This arrangement fosters a climate of uncertainty for those incarcerated.
The psychological ramifications of this constant potential for being observed are profound, as it subtly encourages a sense of morality and self-regulation among inmates.
Bentham’s vision extended beyond mere incarceration; he perceived the panopticon as an ideal workspace.
His belief was that while inmates labor, they would cultivate not only character and skills but also a small income, fostering a sense of responsibility under the watchful eyes of authority.
This setup could support their own financial needs, thereby also enhancing the economic viability of housing and sustenance.
Bentham even foresaw a profit-generating model emerging from this framework.
His ambitions didn’t stop with prisons.
Bentham imagined the panopticon as an institution that could transform societal issues like vagrancy into desirable traits.
He theorized its applications could extend into education and mental health care as well.
Although noble in intent, his proposals were tinged with an unsettling pragmatism.
Foucault’s Influence
Despite the conflicts between his vision and the limitations of his time’s technology, Bentham tirelessly championed the panoptic model.
Occasionally, elements of his ideas influenced prison reform during his life, yet these efforts rarely aligned with his expectations.
This disconnect motivated him to persistently refine the concept for better execution.
In the late 20th century, the discussion around the panopticon transcended the walls of criminology and Bentham studies.
A significant catalyst in broadening its relevance was Michel Foucault’s influential work, Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison (1975).
Foucault not only explored the panopticon’s role in the history of prisons but also framed it as a reflection of a wider societal shift—a movement towards institutions aimed at accumulating knowledge and exerting control over populations.
Foucault argued that the panopticon was not merely about reforming society, however well-meaning.
Instead, he contended that its true aim was to amplify the mechanisms of society itself, enhancing productivity, fostering economic growth, improving education, and uplifting public morality.
From this technocratic perspective, the central dilemma faced by society becomes the very human element that the panopticon seeks to mold into efficient contributors to a modern world.
He described individuals within the panopticon as being fully visible to their guardians, yet isolated from one another, resulting in a community of separate beings existing amidst a collective environment.
This fragmentation presents a concern for anyone in positions of authority, as it undermines collective action.
To lend credibility to his humanitarian vision, Bentham proposed allowing external visitors to the observation area of the panopticon.
Foucault notes this suggestion with a pinch of irony, implying those visits aimed to counterbalance the potential tyranny that might arise from the unbridled power of such a surveillance system.
In today’s discourse, mentions of the panopticon shed light on modern experiences in a world dominated by technology and surveillance.
This shift can be traced back to the inclusion of Foucault’s work in various educational programs that have influenced numerous disciplines over the years.
Bentham assumed future thinkers would appreciate the merits of his ideas, yet he might be surprised at how his vision has morphed in today’s context.
What once aimed to cultivate honesty through intensive oversight has now permeated our digital lives, often devoid of the intended checks and balances.
Scott McLemee pens a regular column titled “Intellectual Affairs” for Inside Higher Ed, utilizing natural language processing techniques in his explorations.
Source: Insidehighered