A vision of technique in geographical studies

Abstract

This article will endorse the discussion about techniques in geographical studies by questioning how technique was incorporated in geographic research. The technique concept has, at least, two dimensions: the material and the immaterial. While objects and labor’s tools refer to the former, the use of the technique refers to the later. These perspectives complement each other, since the existence of the technical object implies an intentionality of usage. In this sense, the technique amplifies the possibility of human actions as well as the scale of action. This is visible in geographical forms –past and present–. Technical objects compose the configuration of places. For this reason, a certain amount of works in geography analyzes only the visible side of the technique ignoring the constitution of the process. According to this, the technique as a way of thinking, planning and operating has not been fully considered. In view of this concern, this paper will be develop four sections: I. The beginning of discussion about the technique, II. The technology and the objects: medium and phenomenal, III. The innovation as the principle of networks, and IV. The technique: an action principle. Concluding ideas will be exposed in section V. Possible research ideas from the techniques.