Geographic-social conceptualization of the place-site duality: defining the object of contemporary Geography
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Abstract
This essay aims to review the semantic potential of the central notions of Geography, exploring with their (re)conceptualization the capacity to communicate the rationality of those who evoke them, as well as the intentionality of the geographical object represented. Methodologically, critical hermeneutics is effective to access the social structure behind the traces of a regulated and commonly accepted geographic language without discussion, resulting in a necessary proposal, alternative to the dialectical treatment of space and place: the place-site dialectic, useful to demonstrate that in every representation there is ideology and worldview, as well as that in the production of space practices are imposed based on an idea of material and symbolic progress contrary to human progress. In the current context of cultural struggle, the sense that geographical representation acquires according to the use and meaning of terms places us in favor of one side or the other. The need for a critical essay of these characteristics is only such if we aspire to revive the value of a social, critical and emancipating Geography with respect to the principles and values that empty all geography of space and society.