How do we navigate the complexities of being seen, both as a source of empowerment and oppression, in the classroom? Can a balance between surveillance and trust redefine how we approach learning and democratic engagement?

Today’s guest is Kristen Collins, a Senior Fellow at the F.A. Hayek Program for Advanced Study in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. With a background in political theory and data ethics, Kristen explores the intersections of surveillance, democracy, and education, providing fresh perspectives on how power dynamics shape our societal structures.

In this episode, Kristen unpacks the parallels between schools and the Panopticon—a model of surveillance initially designed for prisons. She delves into how surveillance in education influences behavior, trust, and the internalized sense of being "watched." Kristen discusses the dangers of treating students as inherently suspicious and explores how this approach undermines self-confidence, creativity, and democratic participation.

Her insights challenge us to rethink policies and teaching practices that embed disciplinary surveillance, such as standardized tests and punitive systems. Kristen emphasizes the importance of fostering trust and empowering students through reflective learning, encouraging them to rise to higher expectations. She also highlights the broader implications of surveillance in welfare systems, connecting it to societal inequities and the erosion of democratic engagement.

This thought-provoking conversation invites us to reconsider not only how we educate but also how we recognize and validate human potential in a way that transcends mere observation.