Essays on Panopticism

Architecture and any other form of artistry call for the following of certain processes for an artist to achieve given artistic goals. This theme is clearly seen through Gilles Deleuze’s “The Diagramme” and Michel Foucault’s “Panopticism”. In both cases, the aspect of organization is emphasized on with Foucault suggesting a more structured approach to artistry, while Deleuze calls for the establishment of a more liberal architectural thought. Panopticism by Foucault is a concept of how power can be centralized and applied in architectural work. Based on the early practices of cities hit by plagues, Foucault explains that ...

The idea behind Foucault's theory of power structures is that power is what makes society what it is. Power exists everywhere and comes from man's concept of what his or her definition of everywhere is. Given that power is derived from everywhere, it is not a structure, but rather an overarching influence that exists in society. The idea of power according to Foucault is intertwined with the subject of knowledge. Using the term, power/knowledge, Foucault identifies that the concept of power is accepted in society through the idea that within knowledge lies truth. Truth, to Foucault is what induces ...

Different social theories claim that every behavior can be modified to a better one. Panopticism is one of these theories, which has its origins in the book “Discipline and Punish” by Michel Foucault. The french philosopher spent a lot of years examining human behaviors and trying to find ways how to improve it, make it better and easier for others to understand. He collected his knowledge in the book and presented it to society, which should change after got acquainted with the message of the book. He used the panopticon to illustrate the tendency of subjugating citizens by disciplinary ...

Panopticism is a term that symbolizes a form of repressive measures that are taken to discipline society in the form of surveillance. Panopticism forms part of the disciplinary mechanisms that the country may use as part of counterterrorism policies. Some of these disciplinary measures are in the form of technical devices using high powered surveillance cameras that can be found in public places such as airports. Panopticism in the airport aims to prevent future aircraft piracy and hijacks by using data analysis and intelligence gathering through surveillance devices. One of the effects of 9/11 is the creation of the ...

The Concept of Docile Bodies

Foucault defined docile bodies as flexible objects upon which disciplinary forces are acted, with each object being a node in an intricate and complicated field where power is arranged as well as controlled. In expanding on the concept of docile bodies, Foucault relied on the case of soldiers and their adaptability to the conditions imposed on them which makes them be recognized through their marching, the alert manner in which they behaved - erect head and the broad shoulders. This implies that even the recruits would be trained on how to acquire characteristics of a soldier making them able ...