Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5073560 Geoforum 2016 4 Pages PDF
Abstract

•Reviews the relationship between quantum physics, human geography and the social sciences.•Critically reviews past treatment of human geographical publications on quantum geography.•Calls for an awareness of quantum physics amongst geographers in the creation of post-classical spatial imaginaries.

This critical review asks the question, 'what ever happened to a geography of the quantum?' First, the notably sparse available literature in human geography, and further afield, is highlighted, and criticisms of existing attempts to broach the topic are addressed. The next part presents recent developments in social scientific analyses premised on quantum developments, drawing on work in international relations and feminist science studies. Geographers have long been aware that spatial imaginaries matter and these developments are thus concluded to be of profound interest, not least with implications for key reconceptualisations of subjectivity, consciousness, objectivity, space, time and causality. It is put forward that the implications of quantum research may well provide fertile ground for engagement with qualified naturalism, and new, explicitly post-classical spatial imaginaries. Indeed, a more receptive climate might be present for attempts to tentatively tread this ground than was previously the case, given the rise of relational-material geographical thought.

Related Topics
Social Sciences and Humanities Economics, Econometrics and Finance Economics and Econometrics
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