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Applied Ontology of Geography. Mapping the Interdisciplinary (Un-)Connections

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The Philosophy of Geography

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Abstract

The aim of this article is twofold. On the one hand, it explores the domain of investigation of applied ontology of geography, showing how the disciplines involved in this domain—specifically, philosophical ontology, IT ontology, empirical geography, and academic geography—are connected to one another. On the other hand, it reveals the un-connections, by delineating some possible strategies designed to increase the interdisciplinary dialogue. In accordance with such aims, paragraphs 2–6 respectively examine the connections between philosophy and geography, philosophy and geographies, philosophical ontologies and geographies, computer science and geographies, philosophical ontologies and IT ontologies. Paragraph 7 acknowledges that the domain of research of applied ontology of geography includes, at least, two different kinds of geography: empirical geography and academic geography. Then, paragraphs 8 and 9 point out that philosophical and IT ontologies are more connected to empirical geography than to academic geography. Finally, paragraph 10 explores the reasons why academic geography is currently un-connected to the (philosophical) ontological debate, and then paragraphs 11–12 outline some possible strategies to provide a way out of the un-connections.

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Acknowledgements

I am grateful to Giulia Lasagni and Marcello Tanca for providing comments and feedback, and for their invaluable support.

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  1. Department of Science of Cultural Heritage, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano, Italy

    Timothy Tambassi

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  1. Department of Science of Cultural Heritage, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy

    Timothy Tambassi

  2. Department of Literature, Languages and Cultural Heritage, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy

    Marcello Tanca

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Tambassi, T. (2021). Applied Ontology of Geography. Mapping the Interdisciplinary (Un-)Connections. In: Tambassi, T., Tanca, M. (eds) The Philosophy of Geography . Springer Geography. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77155-3_4

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