Development of Geographical Thought

Stages in the development of geographical thoughts

Law or Principle
Theory
Model
Paradigm
Thinking
"Geography is Nothing without Geographical Theory"

Santo, Geography-47
Jahangirnagar University
Batch : 47
Session : 2017-18
 Introduction
According to David Harvey (1969), Geography is the study of spatial
relations – how things arranged in space, why they are arranged in that way,
and what difference it makes. It encompasses a broad range of topics, from
physical geography and environmental science to human geography and
cultural studies.
However, geography would be incomplete without the theoretical
frameworks and concepts that guide its inquiry. Geographical theory
provides a critical lens through which to examine and interpret the complex
relationships between people and their environment. It helps to identify
patterns and connections, guiding research and policy-making and providing
a basis for making predictions and developing explanations about the world
around us.
 Theories in Different Branches of Geography

Geography

• Physical Geography:
1. Plate tectonics theory
2. Coastal erosion theory
3. Climate change theory
4. Biogeography theory
5. Hydrology theory
• Environmental
Geography:
1. Environmental
determinism theory
2. Ecological footprint theory
3. Sustainable
development theory
4. Conservation theory
5. Anthropocene theory
• Human Geography:
1. Cultural diffusion theory
2. Urbanization theory
3. Globalization theory
4. Feminist geography theory
5. Political geography theory
• Economic Geography:
1. Location theory
2. Economic development theory
3. Agricultural geography theory
4. Regional development theory
5. Spatial organization theory
• Geopolitics:
1. Geopolitical theory
2. Critical geopolitics theory
3. Geopolitics of natural
resources theory
4. Geopolitics of borders theory
5. Geopolitics of terrorism theory
 Concept of Theory
 The concept of theory can be understood in a variety of ways depending on the
context in which it is used. In general, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation
or framework for a set of observations or phenomena. Theories are used to explain
and predict complex systems, behaviours, and events. They provide a way to
organize and make sense of the world around us, and can be used to guide further
research and experimentation.
 A theory is generally seen as a set of ideas that attempt to explain a particular
phenomenon or set of phenomena, and is subject to revision or refinement based
on new evidence and further research.
 In summary, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation or framework for a set of
observations or phenomena that is based on empirical evidence and subject to
further testing and refinement. It is an important tool for understanding the world
around us and guiding further research and experimentation
 Theories in Geography
The complexity of Geography makes it more difficult to understand its
boundary and the area of knowledge .The is one of the oldest branch of
knowledge so different types of theories are used in this field some of its
own and some theories developed in other discipline but now its become
one of the important theory to understand the core concept of geography
 Theory of Galileo: He argue that Earth and other planets revolve around
the sun.
 Continental Drift Theory: A single supercontinent named “Pangea”.
 Plate Tectonic Theory: Plate Movement forms Mountains, Volcano and
Earthquakes.
 Theories in Geography
 Theory of Isostasy: A mass above Sea level is supported below sea level.
 Darwins Theory: Multiplication of species and Natural selection.
 Davisian Theory: Upliftment and peneplanation
 Penck’s Theory: Rate of uplift in a relation to degradation.

 Theory of L. C. King: The Four element of landforms and uniform development

of landform in a certain region.

 Theory of J.T. Hack: Landscape have to explained by dynamic equilibrium

theory.
 Theories in Geography

 Polar Front Theory : The movement of air masses in Earth atmosphere .

 Single Climate Theory: The climate of the earth as a whole.
 Multiple –Climate Theory: The whole climate could understand by a series of
climates.
 Superstring Theory : The Physical world can be explained by strings.
 Glacier control Theory: Use of Glacial to control climate.
 Theories in Geography

 Environmental Determinism: Human behavior and culture are determined

by Environmental factors.
 Central Place Theory: Spatial distribution of Urban Centre .
 Cultural Landscape Theory: The human culture shape the physical
landscape.
 Behavioural Theory: Nature of human interaction with Environment .
 Marxist Theory: The struggle between the bourgeoisie and proletariat .
 General Theories: These theories try to explain the world as a whole .
 Relationship between Theory and Practice in Geography
 Geography as a discipline has an complex relationship between theory and
practice, where both complement each other.
 Theoretical frameworks provide the foundation for understanding spatial
relationships and environmental processes.
 On the other hand, practical applications are essential for developing a
deeper understanding of how these theories work in the real world.

Geographical Theory
Geographical Practice
 This Relationship can be Seen in the Following Ways:
1. Theoretical Frameworks: Theoretical frameworks provide the foundation for
geographic understanding, and are used to explain spatial relationships,
environmental processes, geographic patterns, etc.
2. Data Collection and Analysis: Fieldwork and data collection enable
researchers to gather data and test theories in real-world settings.
3. Synthesis and Interpretation: After data collection and analysis, the
synthesized data is interpreted to form conclusions about the world around
us.
4. Practical Applications: Theoretical concepts can be applied to practical
situations in a wide range of fields, including urban planning, environmental
management, and disaster response.
 Significance of Theories in Geography
Can be broadly categorized into three types:

Types of
geographical theories

Human Theories
Physical Theories Combination Theories
(economic activity,
(tectonic activity, (possibilism,
migration pattern, determinism, etc)
weather pattern, etc)
etc)

 Physical theories explain physical processes and various natural phenomenon.

 Human behavioral theories explain human social behaviors.
 Combination theories focus on the interaction between human activity and
natural environment.
 Significance of Theories in Geography
 Theories provide a framework to analyze the relationship between human
aspects and physical environment.
 Help to identify patterns and trends in nature and human behavior.
 Help geographers to develop hypothesis and test them through empirical
research.
 Theories are the base of models.
 Provide more accurate explanation of geographical phenomenon.
 Help to predict future circumstances.
 Play an important role in regional development and planning.
 CONCLUSION

 ‍Geographical theory is essential for advancing knowledge in geography and for

making meaningful contributions to the field.
 It provides a structure for interpreting and understanding the data collected
through a variety of tools and methods.
 It also helps to guide research by providing direction and purpose.

Without geographical theory, geography would be nothing but a collection of

disparate observations and data points, without any overarching framework to make
sense of them. So, geographical theory is an indispensable part of the geography
discipline and it will continue to shape research and policy-making in the future.
Any Query????
Thank You