Panopticon
noun
A circular prison design that allows guards to observe all prisoners without them being able to tell whether they are being watched.
The panopticon design was intended to encourage good behaviour among prisoners through the fear of being observed.
Usage tips
Neutral
surveillance system,social control,prison architecture
noun
A philosophical concept that symbolizes the effects of surveillance and control in society, beyond its literal architectural form.
In his book, he discusses the panopticon as a metaphor for modern technological surveillance.
Usage tips
Formal
modern surveillance,disciplinary society,technological control
noun
A circular prison design that allows guards to observe all prisoners without them being able to tell whether they are being watched.
The panopticon design was intended to encourage good behaviour among prisoners through the fear of being observed.
Usage tips
Neutral
surveillance system,social control,prison architecture
noun
A philosophical concept that symbolizes the effects of surveillance and control in society, beyond its literal architectural form.
In his book, he discusses the panopticon as a metaphor for modern technological surveillance.
Usage tips
Formal
modern surveillance,disciplinary society,technological control
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Surveillance
The concept of being constantly observed can create a sense of unease.
The panopticon represents a powerful metaphor for modern surveillance practices.
Pro Tip 2/3Disciplinary Power
The panopticon is often discussed in relation to Michel Foucault's ideas on power and discipline.
Understanding how power operates in institutions can illuminate modern societal issues.
Pro Tip 3/3Psychological Effects
Being watched can alter behavior and foster self-regulation.
This insight into human psychology is relevant in social media discussions.
Pro Tip 1/3Surveillance
The concept of being constantly observed can create a sense of unease.
The panopticon represents a powerful metaphor for modern surveillance practices.
Pro Tip 2/3Disciplinary Power
The panopticon is often discussed in relation to Michel Foucault's ideas on power and discipline.
Understanding how power operates in institutions can illuminate modern societal issues.
Pro Tip 3/3Psychological Effects
Being watched can alter behavior and foster self-regulation.
This insight into human psychology is relevant in social media discussions.
Pro Tip 1/3Surveillance
The concept of being constantly observed can create a sense of unease.
The panopticon represents a powerful metaphor for modern surveillance practices.
Pro Tip 2/3Disciplinary Power
The panopticon is often discussed in relation to Michel Foucault's ideas on power and discipline.
Understanding how power operates in institutions can illuminate modern societal issues.
Pro Tip 3/3Psychological Effects
Being watched can alter behavior and foster self-regulation.
This insight into human psychology is relevant in social media discussions.
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