Abstract
Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832) is arguably best known for proposing the panopticon as a tool for maximising societal utility. Despite never actually being constructed, the panopticon is a notorious symbol of Bentham’s belief in the imperative of maximising happiness and minimising pain. Commonly, the building is perceived as representing totalitarian control and oppressive penal policy. While not wholly inaccurate, such interpretations are incomplete. Proper analysis of the panopticon reveals that it enshrines Bentham’s wider beliefs about human governance, economics, and the need for innovation in society in order to pursue more effectively the principle of utility. Consequently, in-depth examination of Bentham’s idea illuminates its conflicting dimensions and historical and contemporary significance. It is the unifying emblem of Bentham’s philosophical work.
Keywords: jurisprudence, penal policy, economics, utilitarianism
How to Cite:
Shemar, J., (2025) “Examining the Panopticon as an Icon of Jeremy Bentham’s Philosophical Ideas”, UCL Journal of Law and Jurisprudence 14(1), 1-22. doi: https://doi.org/10.14324/111.444.2052-1871.1967
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