Redeskriptionen horizontaler Geographien

Spatial syntheses (regional studies, regional geographies, etc.), referred to here as 'horizontal geographies', have undergone a very ambivalent development in recent decades: on one hand, there is high demand in the public sphere as well as in academia, while on the other hand, they have been criticized for theoretical deficiencies compared to specialized geographical disciplines. The basis for the re-description presented here is philosophical neopragmatism, which has never been developed into a theory-driven empirical spatial research program. Philosophical neopragmatism, particularly in the conception of Richard Rorty, focuses on the contingency of society, self, and language. Thus, 'horizontal geographies' are also understood as contingent proposals for a new description of spaces. These are based on the justified triangulation of theories, methods, sources, researchers' perspectives, lay perspectives, and (ironic) forms of representation. Regarding the levels of triangulation, neopragmatism serves as a meta-theoretical framework. In light of the complexity of spatial developments on one hand, and to operationalize Rorty's principle of private self-creation and public solidarity, Ralf Dahrendorf's concept of life chances is referenced. This concept is further differentiated in this book in terms of options and ligatures. Thus, this book contributes to addressing the often-cited theoretical deficit.