Geographical space and technical phenomenon: questions of method

Abstract

The category of geographical space could be defined and operationalized considering the technique as a constitutive element of space. Firstly, we will not only consider the particular techniques, but essentially the technical phenomenon that includes objects, forms of usage, underlying politics and its particular locations. This leads us to understand the technique as an environment, in which the places reveal diverse technical contents. In other words, we propose an effort to go beyond the particular techniques with the purpose to discuss a phenomenology of the technique as a basis for a geographical explanation. Secondly, the techniques allow us to understand time as an empirical fact, avoiding seeing the time and the space as separated dimensions. In this regard, periodization is an essential element of the method that allows to apprehend the usages of space in every moment of history, and as a consequence to reach a non-abstract diachronic perspective. Thirdly, we will analyze the contemporary techniques, i.e., the systemic nature of techniques in globalization, including information techniques, scale, speed and conditions of rigidity and flexibility of technique and their inseparability of action, norm and ideology.