450401 VO+SE Theory of science for geographers, spatial planners and cartographers (PI) (2019W)

The course is mainly addressed to doctoral and master students. It aims at imparting the necessary methodological competence for independent scientific work. At the beginning, the relation between history of geography and history of science is briefly discussed. In the main part an overview of the main paradigms of science insofar as relevant for geography and spatial planning is presented: Positivism, Logical Empiricism, Critical Rationalism, Hermeneutics, Constructivism, Critical Theory, System Theory, Postmodernity, Transdisciplinarity. Subsequently, issues of paradigmatic diversity and competition are discussed. Eventually, recommendations for the design and organisation of practical research will be given. In the last part of the course students will present their research concept und reflect it in the light of methodological aspects.