Panopticon and Contradiction of Jeremy Bentham

This study contends that the famous panopticon designed by Jeremy Bentham in 1791 (firstly in 1787) was not, despite his conviction, ���a simple idea in Architecture,��� but a complex mechanism of visible operations. Nevertheless, this English philosopher made great efforts toward the construction of his prison, which was not, strictly speaking, panoptic (���seeing without being seen���). The purpose of this study is to analyze Bentham���s contradiction regarding the impossibility of realizing the perfect process of one-way vision. In this research, Bentham���s idea is examined through his last panopticon project, which is divided into two parts: a real optic system and the effect of invisible surveillance. To address this issue, it is firstly essential to understand the difference between Bentham���s pure concept and his final project. Secondly, we must engage in a search for meaning within Bentham���s propositions on architecture and surveillance mechanisms, after assessing the challenges involved in their implementation. Finally, this study will analyze the principles of the panopticon as compared to a general prison model by means of visual systems