panoptical

Panoptical is an adjective derived from panopticon, a design concept associated with central surveillance proposed by Jeremy Bentham in the late 18th century. It denotes an all-seeing or comprehensively surveillant vantage, or any arrangement that enables continuous observation of a space or system from a central or hierarchical position. The term combines the prefix pan- (all) with opt- (seeing) and the suffix -ical.

In architectural and urban design discourse, panoptical describes layouts or controls that permit one observer to monitor many locations, thereby creating a sense of constant visibility. In social theory, especially in discussions of surveillance, the term is used to evoke the Foucauldian idea of panopticism, in which the possibility of being watched produces self-regulation and discipline across populations.

In contemporary usage, panoptical is relatively uncommon outside specialized writing. More common terms used with similar senses include panoptic (relating to an all-seeing perspective) and panoramic (relating to wide, comprehensive views) depending on the context. The expression “panoptical surveillance” appears in analyses of digital platforms and institutional monitoring, emphasizing pervasive, multi-point observation.

See also: panopticon, panoptic, panopticism.