Space‐Time, ‘Science’ and the Relationship between Physical Geography and Human Geography

Doreen Massey

Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers · 1999 · 525 citations · 19 references

Concepts

TL;DR

Physical and human geography have been separated largely by their reliance on physics as the model of science. The paper argues that this physics‑centric model is inadequate, has misdirected conceptions of space and time, and that rethinking these dimensions could unite the two disciplines. Both fields now increasingly adopt a historical perspective, reflecting this shared shift.

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.

References

19