IGU Regional Conference, Kraków, Poland
18-22 August 2014
IGU 2014 Book of Abstracts
IGU2014 – 0209
Humanistic paradigm in geography
Gladkey A.
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Department of Economic and Social Geography
Scientific investigations of the post-non-classical period are based on the concept of transition from
disciplinary knowledge to the post-disciplinary one characterized by humanistic significance and
value. The main scientific goal of this new knowledge consists in not only ordinary anthropocentric
researches in different scientific branches. First of all, it consist in integral, non-utilitarian scientific
approach to problems of humaneness, investigation of essence and role of human persons in
environment and also in development of common to all mankind knowledge and values in every
scientific directions. Thus, such above mentioned aspects of current scientific transformation
influenced on development of humanistic paradigm in modern geography. Here are four main
direction of humanization in geography:
1. From anthropocentrism to humaneness. Traditional anthropocentric concept in geographic
investigations based on practical orientation of our science for most complete satisfaction of human
needs. However, such scientific approach is very utilitarian. Anthropocentrism means that the human
needs are the center of scientific problems and their satisfaction is the main goal of any scientific
investigation. On the other hand, geography as any other science can be involved into problems of
humaneness and common-to-all-mankind values, rather than individual persons only.
2. From systemness to humanistic synergy. Most of geographic objects are considered as a complex
and compound system of different components and relations. But, most elements of geographic
space do not fit into traditional concept of the system, especially if it is formalized with quantitative
methods. Systemic paradigm, which is based on concepts of natural and exact sciences only, should
be supplemented with new humanistic elements, which will provide an integral and non-formalized
approach to investigation and comprehension of any object of inquiry.
3. From quantitative methods to their further qualitative analysis and humanistic interpretation. The
quantitative methods in geography have been criticized since the time of their introduction. Some
scientists warned against a wide use of abovementioned methods, because the latter lead to
simplification of geographic reality, development of small-scale applied investigations that cannot
reflect all the processes and phenomena in geographic space in adequate manner. Evaluating on the
whole positively the development of exact formalized methods in geography, these scientists
claimed that these methods should be followed by synthesis, qualitative analysis and creative
interpretation of the obtained results, which could complete quantitative investigations.
IGU Regional Conference, Kraków, Poland
18-22 August 2014
4. From territorial differentiation to philosophic fundamentals of global geospace. This transition is
devoted to definition of the main topics of geographic investigations as well as to characteristics of
geographical objects. But, geography should not be limited by narrow bounds of perception of spatial
system and relations. The bounds of geography are much wider and essentially extend to generalized
comprehension of philosophic fundamentals of global geospace in all the variety of its
manifestations, sides and properties. It is this statement that the close relations between geography
and philosophy and humanities consist in. It is here that the foundation of new post-disciplinary
knowledge is laid.
Therefore, modern geography could be based on imperative of humanistic thinking. Its great
philosophic potential occupies a fitting place among natural and exact sciences.