Science, Philosophy and Physical Geography

Robert Inkpen

ISBN 10: 0415679664 / ISBN 13: 9780415679664

Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2013

About this Item

2013. 2nd Edition. Paperback. This accessible and engaging text explores the relationship between philosophy, science and physical geography. It addresses an imbalance that exists in opinion, teaching and to a lesser extent research, between a philosophically enriched human geography and a perceived philosophically ignorant physical geography. Num Pages: 256 pages, 37 black & white illustrations, 6 black & white tables, 37 black & white line drawings. BIC Classification: PDA; RGB. Category: (UP) Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly; (UU) Undergraduate. Dimension: 245 x 175 x 15. Weight in Grams: 462. . . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Seller Inventory # V9780415679664

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Science, Philosophy and Physical Geography
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Publication Date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415679664
• ISBN 13: 9780415679664
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

This accessible and engaging text explores the relationship between philosophy, science and physical geography. It addresses an imbalance that exists in opinion, teaching and to a lesser extent research, between a philosophically enriched human geography and a perceived philosophically empty physical geography.

The text challenges the myth that there is a single self-evident scientific method that can, and is, applied in a straightforward manner by physical geographers. It demonstrates the variety of alternative philosophical perspectives and emphasizes the difference that the real world geographical context and the geographer make to the study of environmental phenomenon. This includes a consideration of the dynamic relationship between human and physical geography. Finally, the text demonstrates the relevance of philosophy for both an understanding of published material and for the design and implementation of studies in physical geography.

This edition has been fully updated with two new chapters on field studies and modelling, as well as greater discussion of ethical issues and forms of explanation. The book explores key themes such as reconstructing environmental change, species interactions and fluvial geomorphology, and is complimented throughout with case studies to illustrate concepts.

About the Author

Rob Inkpen is a Principal Lecturer in Geography at the University of Portsmouth. He has research interests in stone and rock weathering and the philosophy of physical geography.

Graham Wilson is Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography at the University of Portsmouth. He has research interests in Quaternary climate and sea-level change.