Transformation of Geography as an Interdisciplinary Science

• Main Author: H. Afrakhteh
• Format: Article
• Language: fas
• Published: Iranian Institute for Social and Cultural Studies 2016-05-01
• Series: Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities
• Subjects: new geography; spatial planning; third wave science; interdisciplinary
• Online Access: http://www.isih.ir/article_219_260e0a04566485da48afb49794898b88.pdf
• ISSN: 2008-4641; 2008-4846

Geography as a science of the spatial analysis of phenomena is based on three main objectives: studying spatial structures, examining the locational-spatial order of socio-economic activities, and searching spatial relationships and functions through hierarchical leveling of rural and urban settlements. The applied form of geography or “spatial planning” addresses the modification of spatial structures, the locational-spatial order of activities, and the organization of spatial relationships and functions. There are mutual interactions between structure and function in this spatial order. Science has developed a complex structure through the electronic revolution, which is called “third wave science”; also specialized studies have developed. Specialized studies result in a very deep understanding of subjects, but this deep understanding always remains just in a “spot” and its applications could be traumatic, which is because it is not regulated in combination with other dimensions of human life. This kind of science cannot be beneficial in human life or solve some important problems. The main aim of this article, which is based on qualitative content analysis, is to analyze geography as an interdisciplinary science. The findings of the study show that geographical research has interdisciplinary characteristics; otherwise it cannot explain today’s complex problems. Geography can both use the findings of other sciences, including statistics, mathematics, economics, sociology, history and psychology, and provide them with services and help.