Space-time, 'science' and the relationship between physical geography and human geography

Author: Massey D.

Source: Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, Volume 24, Number 3, September 1999 , pp. 261-276(16)

Publisher: Royal Geographical Society

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Abstract:

This paper explores the possibility that there may be commonalities between physical geography and human geography in emerging ways of conceptualizing space, time and space-time. It argues that one of the things holding physical and human geography apart for so long has been their relationship to physics as an assumed model of 'science'. It is proposed here that not only is this an inadequate model of science but that it has led us astray in our inherited conceptualizations of both time and space. The urge to think 'historically' is now evident in both physical and human geography. The paper argues that this both forms the basis for a possible conversation and also obliges us to rethink our notions of space/space-time.

Keywords: space-time/time-space; complexity; emergence; physics envy

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Faculty of Social Sciences, Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA

Publication date: 1999-09-01

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