Notes on some physical-geographic sciences in the postmodern culture, synthesis and paradigms. V.N. NEVSKY

Abstract

Notes on some physical-geographic sciences in the postmodern culture, synthesis and paradigms. V.N. NEVSKY (Pacific Geographical Institute, FEB RAS, Vladivostok).

Options for interdisciplinary projects of a synthetic nature are formulated in this article. Physical-geographical sciences (climatology, geomorphology, and, possibly, landscape science) must become the central links in the formulation and solution of these problems. Some characteristic features of these and related sciences are specified. These features indicate a certain weakening of theoretical components and an enhancement of technical and “technological” aspects of the disciplines. The emergence of these interdisciplinary synthetic problems is due to substantial restructuring of these sciences. The sources of the restructuring are factors formed by the newest cultural and historical environment - postmodernity. (Here we are talking about such physical-geographic sciences as climatology, geomorphology and landscape science; geology and biology are also mentioned.) The first such synthetic project has to link the rotational regime of the Earth, tectonics, climate and continental glaciations and should be carried out “under the general guidance” of climatology. The second project can be called the modern version of geographical determinism; it must combine the efforts of climatology, geomorphology, humanitarian geography and biology. The above sciences are still able to formulate new interdisciplinary paradigms that will enhance their theoretical status.