Approaching Human Geography: An Introduction To Contemporary Theoretical Debates - Softcover

Paul Cloke; Chris Philo; David Sadler

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1853961000 ISBN 13: 9781853961007

Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd, 1991

Synopsis

This introduction to the development of new theoretical approaches to human geography sets out to explain the key features of these new approaches, and to trace their antecedents and implications. The authors also highlight points of comparison and contrast, inter-connection and dissimilarity.

An introductory chapter describes and accounts for the theoretical diversity present within twentieth-century human geography, and particular attention is paid to the transition from environmental and regional approaches to the "spatial science" of the 1960s. This chapter then sets the stage for the later chapters, which deal systematically with different post-1960s approaches: Marxism, humanism, realism, structuration and postmodernism. Each of these chapters deals with the chronological development of the appropriate literature, describes the key claims and arguments, and then presents a worked example to illustrate the benefits and pitfalls of an approach in practice. A concluding chapter re-integrates the diverse themes and reflects briefly on possible future theoretical developments in human geography in the 1990s.

The principal chapters of the book are framed by both a preface and an epilogue, which address questions about 'relativism' in approaching human geography, while also stressing the need for continued commitment and critical sensitivity in geographical enquiry. The book is written in an easily accessible style with generous expositions of key claims and arguments, and thorough cross-referencing between chapters.

About this title

Review

"A remarkably clear and intellectually engaging account of the intersections between philosophy, social theory, and human geography. It is written from the front lines of geographical research yet will be thoroughly accessible to advanced undergraduate and graduate classes. APPROACHING HUMAN GEOGRAPHY is more than a survey: it is written with a depth of understanding and a sensitivity to geographical practice that is all too rare in books of this kind. It will undoubtedly stimulate discussion inside the classroom and out....It represents a major contribution to the future development of the discipline."' --Derek Gregory, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia "A rich and interesting text that will be of value to all geographers....One of the best texts currently available for introductory and advanced students alike...."Approaching Human Geography" is a well crafted work that will quickly establish itself as a standard text in the field. Its coverage of gepgraphic ideas is clear yet rich, the text itself is a pleasure to read, and the authors have produced a interpretively rich and intellectually open engagement with the diverse world of geographic theory." --"Progress in Human Geography"

About the Author

Chris Philo was a Lecturer at the University of Wales, Lampeter, before becoming, in 1995, Professor of Geography at the University of Glasgow. He specialises in the history and theory of geographical thought, as well as the historical and social geographies of 'madness', 'outsiders' of all kinds and human-animal relations.

Edition details

• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 1853961000
• ISBN 13: 9781853961007
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256