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System and theory of geosciences∗
Editorial System and Theory of Geosciences*
The idea behind the foundation of a new periodical of physical, human and regional geosciences lies in the following circumstances: in a period of rapid speciahsation (and on the other hand of outstanding progress especially on the “frontiers’* of the scientific disciplines) the need for a rethinking of the overlying principles, and or the promotion of a better understanding and cooperation between interconnected disciplines, becomes more and more essential Within the greater realms of the natural and social sciences - which are on the one hand forming the entire character of our epoch, but on the other showing a growing number of common methods and techniques - the closely knit subject groups, e. g. the biosciences, are establishing themselves and are gaining rapidly in importance. As a part of this development there is a growing awareness of the vital interconnections of all those disciplines which may be termed the geosciences.
place of man” has clearly become the present-day maht-object of the gc~sciences for the benefit of mankind. It is sclf-cvidcnt, there fore, that the geosciences do not only embrace the physical - e. g. geological, geophysical, clhnatological, hydrological etc. - but also the biological and ecological as well as the social and economic spheres. These are especia& integrated withhi geography. However, anthropology, ethnology, and the modem groupings of the “regional sciences” also belong to those sciences which deal with the earth as it is lived in and formed by man. A complete system of these scientific associations is still awaited. E. WINKLER made au attempt to group together the geosciences and the geosubject orientated disciplines of other sciences. He also tried to develop a logical system and to locate the position of these sciences within the general system of the sciences. His attempt showq however, that much work is still needed before a theoretically scientific basis can be formulated
This is resulting from a number of tendencies and forces. For example, in a world-wide context the importance of the interactions The amalgamation of the various geosciences makes it necessary to of man and the biosphere has been rediscovered, the results of mterestablish precise deftitions, systematic divisions, and a systematic disciplinary regional research have found practical applications, and terminology, and to delhnlt the rcahn of the various disciplines. several sciences have successfully combined in exploring interWithout clear definitions of the task and character of the various connected problems as in research into the @atemary Age. Another disciplines, which are more vital today than ever before, the orientainfluence is the interdisciplinary use of modem techniques (e. g. tion of their enquiries will become indistinct This is why the attempt air-photo interpretation, usage of computers, modem laboratory has been made in the editor’s article to survey the system and organiwork etc.). In Germany the current reforms of the university systems sation of geography - the oldest, broadest, discipline amongst the are Promoting the establishment of a research sphere of the geosciences, geosciences and the one which is most bent towards integration and which will replace, together with other new spheres of enquiry, the &thesis. Further contributions have a similar aim and &sent examples L_-ll-:^__l LTaulu0ual C____,ll__ IacuIues. i?om sections of disciplle~ such as the geography of soils, within which pedology and geographical categories of thought are integrated At the beginning of that secular process, which brought about the to an examplary synthesis within the geoscientiflc system. Other development and the specialisation of the geosciences and also the contributions present modem techniques (quantitative methods evolution of higher associations of ideas, stood the founders of and models) or regional surveys on development, achievements and modem scientific geography, Alexander von HUMBOLDT and Carl future tasks. By elaborating on these topics in the “Forum” of the RITTER. Whilst RITTER’s ahn was to go beyond an ,,Erdkunde“ geosciences the authors open them for discussion. It is therefore (in its literal sense as a description of the physical features of the part of the programme that each general theme dealt with in one earth) to the approach of the earth’s surface as the “living place of issue should be open for discussion again a year later. That means man” [,,Wohnplatz des Menschen“], HUMBOLDT’s worldembracing attitude tended towards the unity of the cosmos, towards the entire that the fast issue of 197 1 is planned to contain commentaries, “terrest&J or earthlv” i..telutischen mrt of the &ort suunlementarv articles and different ____-_---.--.._ -intemretations ._.- c-- -------- of tiis , L,,_.___-_ .._. _ oder _-._---irdischen”l _____lE-___ -__ cc---------- ~ -volume. The topic “system and theory of the geosciences” more geosphere. It was not before the more strictly scientific-positivistic approach of the 19th century that a purely mathematical and physical than any other theme is likely to stimulate professional discussion within this Forum. The editors and authors launch the fast issue into geoscience emerged. The fmt exponent was J. FROBEL (1831), the international professional world hoping for an interested reacand A. GERLAND (1887) went so far as to suggest that the study of man should be banned from this science altogether. In the modem tion which will further the theoretical development, the research into, concept of the world-wide ecosystem man/earth, RI’ITER’s ‘Xving and application of, the geoscience. ‘1
Harald Uhhg
* Translated from German by Gisela HEATHCOTE, Adelaide, Australia.
‘) Please send contributions, comments etc. to the editorial board or the acting editor of this volume by the 1st October 1970.
The idea behind the foundation of a new periodical of physical, human and regional geosciences lies in the following circumstances: in a period of rapid speciahsation (and on the other hand of outstanding progress especially on the “frontiers’* of the scientific disciplines) the need for a rethinking of the overlying principles, and or the promotion of a better understanding and cooperation between interconnected disciplines, becomes more and more essential Within the greater realms of the natural and social sciences - which are on the one hand forming the entire character of our epoch, but on the other showing a growing number of common methods and techniques - the closely knit subject groups, e. g. the biosciences, are establishing themselves and are gaining rapidly in importance. As a part of this development there is a growing awareness of the vital interconnections of all those disciplines which may be termed the geosciences.
place of man” has clearly become the present-day maht-object of the gc~sciences for the benefit of mankind. It is sclf-cvidcnt, there fore, that the geosciences do not only embrace the physical - e. g. geological, geophysical, clhnatological, hydrological etc. - but also the biological and ecological as well as the social and economic spheres. These are especia& integrated withhi geography. However, anthropology, ethnology, and the modem groupings of the “regional sciences” also belong to those sciences which deal with the earth as it is lived in and formed by man. A complete system of these scientific associations is still awaited. E. WINKLER made au attempt to group together the geosciences and the geosubject orientated disciplines of other sciences. He also tried to develop a logical system and to locate the position of these sciences within the general system of the sciences. His attempt showq however, that much work is still needed before a theoretically scientific basis can be formulated
This is resulting from a number of tendencies and forces. For example, in a world-wide context the importance of the interactions The amalgamation of the various geosciences makes it necessary to of man and the biosphere has been rediscovered, the results of mterestablish precise deftitions, systematic divisions, and a systematic disciplinary regional research have found practical applications, and terminology, and to delhnlt the rcahn of the various disciplines. several sciences have successfully combined in exploring interWithout clear definitions of the task and character of the various connected problems as in research into the @atemary Age. Another disciplines, which are more vital today than ever before, the orientainfluence is the interdisciplinary use of modem techniques (e. g. tion of their enquiries will become indistinct This is why the attempt air-photo interpretation, usage of computers, modem laboratory has been made in the editor’s article to survey the system and organiwork etc.). In Germany the current reforms of the university systems sation of geography - the oldest, broadest, discipline amongst the are Promoting the establishment of a research sphere of the geosciences, geosciences and the one which is most bent towards integration and which will replace, together with other new spheres of enquiry, the &thesis. Further contributions have a similar aim and &sent examples L_-ll-:^__l LTaulu0ual C____,ll__ IacuIues. i?om sections of disciplle~ such as the geography of soils, within which pedology and geographical categories of thought are integrated At the beginning of that secular process, which brought about the to an examplary synthesis within the geoscientiflc system. Other development and the specialisation of the geosciences and also the contributions present modem techniques (quantitative methods evolution of higher associations of ideas, stood the founders of and models) or regional surveys on development, achievements and modem scientific geography, Alexander von HUMBOLDT and Carl future tasks. By elaborating on these topics in the “Forum” of the RITTER. Whilst RITTER’s ahn was to go beyond an ,,Erdkunde“ geosciences the authors open them for discussion. It is therefore (in its literal sense as a description of the physical features of the part of the programme that each general theme dealt with in one earth) to the approach of the earth’s surface as the “living place of issue should be open for discussion again a year later. That means man” [,,Wohnplatz des Menschen“], HUMBOLDT’s worldembracing attitude tended towards the unity of the cosmos, towards the entire that the fast issue of 197 1 is planned to contain commentaries, “terrest&J or earthlv” i..telutischen mrt of the &ort suunlementarv articles and different ____-_---.--.._ -intemretations ._.- c-- -------- of tiis , L,,_.___-_ .._. _ oder _-._---irdischen”l _____lE-___ -__ cc---------- ~ -volume. The topic “system and theory of the geosciences” more geosphere. It was not before the more strictly scientific-positivistic approach of the 19th century that a purely mathematical and physical than any other theme is likely to stimulate professional discussion within this Forum. The editors and authors launch the fast issue into geoscience emerged. The fmt exponent was J. FROBEL (1831), the international professional world hoping for an interested reacand A. GERLAND (1887) went so far as to suggest that the study of man should be banned from this science altogether. In the modem tion which will further the theoretical development, the research into, concept of the world-wide ecosystem man/earth, RI’ITER’s ‘Xving and application of, the geoscience. ‘1
Harald Uhhg
* Translated from German by Gisela HEATHCOTE, Adelaide, Australia.
‘) Please send contributions, comments etc. to the editorial board or the acting editor of this volume by the 1st October 1970.