Essay Database

Panopticism Michel Foucault, in his essay Panopticism, talks about how the panopticon is a mechanism of power. But what I wonder is this: Is it the panopticon that holds the power or is it just the fear of being watched that really is holding the power? A panopticon was originally a prison that is constructed so that prisoners can be seen at all times but the guards can not. Foucault, however, discusses how the idea …

…because with increased power comes increased knowledge of many things. Although I didn't agree with every last word that Foucault wrote in his essay, most of his ideas were very convincing and well thought out. This essay, Panopticism, was the best so far I have read. It also has made the most impact on me not only as a reader but also on my ideas of who is watching and when they are watching me.