Geography, History and Social Sciences

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Earth Sciences, Geography, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Human Geography
Cover of the book Geography, History and Social Sciences by , Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9789401716819
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: June 29, 2013
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9789401716819
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: June 29, 2013
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

Georges Benko «Societies are much messier than our theories of them» Michael Mann The Sources of Social Power 1 Towards a unified social theory Why are there communication problems between the different disciplines of the social sciences? And why should there be so much misunderstanding? Most probably because the encounter of several disciplines is in fact the encounter of several different histories, and therefore of several different cultures, each interpreting the other according to the code dictated by its own culture. Inevitably geographers view other disciplines through their own cultural filter, and even a benevolent view remains 'ethnocentric'. It was in order to avoid such ethnocentricity that Femand Braudel called for more unity among the social sciences in 1958 : «l wish the social sciences . . . would stop discussing their respective differences so much . . . and instead look for common ground . . . on which to reach their first agreement. Personally I would call these ways : quantification, spatial awareness and 'longue duree'». In its place at the center of the social sciences, geography reduces all social reality to its spatial dimensions. Unfortunately, as a discipline, it considers itself all too often to be in a world of its own. There is a need in France for a figure like Vidal de la Blanche who could refocus attention away from issues of time and space, towards space and social reality. Geographic research will only take a step forward once it learns to address the problems facing all the sciences.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Georges Benko «Societies are much messier than our theories of them» Michael Mann The Sources of Social Power 1 Towards a unified social theory Why are there communication problems between the different disciplines of the social sciences? And why should there be so much misunderstanding? Most probably because the encounter of several disciplines is in fact the encounter of several different histories, and therefore of several different cultures, each interpreting the other according to the code dictated by its own culture. Inevitably geographers view other disciplines through their own cultural filter, and even a benevolent view remains 'ethnocentric'. It was in order to avoid such ethnocentricity that Femand Braudel called for more unity among the social sciences in 1958 : «l wish the social sciences . . . would stop discussing their respective differences so much . . . and instead look for common ground . . . on which to reach their first agreement. Personally I would call these ways : quantification, spatial awareness and 'longue duree'». In its place at the center of the social sciences, geography reduces all social reality to its spatial dimensions. Unfortunately, as a discipline, it considers itself all too often to be in a world of its own. There is a need in France for a figure like Vidal de la Blanche who could refocus attention away from issues of time and space, towards space and social reality. Geographic research will only take a step forward once it learns to address the problems facing all the sciences.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book The Sustainability of Rural Systems by
Cover of the book Eco-city Planning by
Cover of the book Theory of Elasticity and Thermal Stresses by
Cover of the book PSA 1974 by
Cover of the book The Therapy of Pain by
Cover of the book Reforming Higher Education by
Cover of the book Narrative Life by
Cover of the book Hematopoietic Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells by
Cover of the book Advances in Mechanisms Design by
Cover of the book Language and race problems in South Africa by
Cover of the book Ethical Problems in Dialysis and Transplantation by
Cover of the book Managed Realignment : A Viable Long-Term Coastal Management Strategy? by
Cover of the book Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells, Volume 4 by
Cover of the book Sustainable Development: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy by
Cover of the book Ankylosing Spondylitis by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy