A Student's Introduction to Geographical Thought

Pauline Couper is Head of Programme for Geography at York St John University, and has always maintained enthusiasm for the breadth of the discipline. With a PhD in fluvial geomorphology and professional experience in geoconservation, her research interests now lie predominantly in philosophy of geography and human/environment relations, particularly in terms of how geographical and environmental knowledges are developed and performed.

Introduction: Geographers at the beach Positivism: or, roughly, what you see is what you get Critical Rationalism: learning from our mistakes Marxism and Critical Realism: seeking what lies beneath Phenomenology and Post-phenomenology: the essence of experience or seeing a shark is different from seeing a dolphin Social Constructionism and Feminism: it's all down to us Structuralism, Poststructuralism and Postmodernism: life at the surface Complexity Theory: from butterfly wings to fairy rings Moral Philosophy and Ethics: right and wrong in Geography Thinking, Doing, Constructing Geography

Translating the philosophies of geography to an undergraduate audience is a task beyond many of us, but Pauline Couper succeeds superbly in A Student's Introduction to Geographical Thought. Engaging and relevant, she never patronizes her audience nor trivializes the theories she discusses. A rare, genuinely student friendly text that preserves the complexity of its subject matter whilst allowing the student to engage with it on their own terms. -- Tim Hall An accessible account of theories and philosophy in and of geography. I hope that every undergraduate studying geography reads this book. Those who do will be enriched. -- James D Sidaway