Political Geology: Active Stratigraphies and the Making of Life – eBook

Description

Political Geology, (PDF), delves into the innovative discipline of political geology, a pivotal area that examines the intricate intersections between political dynamics and geological phenomena. This comprehensive work investigates how geological events like volcanic eruptions, seismic activities, and unstable terrains serve not only as natural occurrences but also as influential political forces. Conversely, it addresses how political decisions and actions shape and impact the Earth itself. The authors collectively work to unravel how the aspects of the geosphere have been perceived, represented, and manipulated, while exploring the dynamic context that underpins the formation of our worlds.

This extensive collection features an array of interdisciplinary subjects, including the historical development of geological sciences, the formation of the Earth, non-Western geological perspectives, and the profound connection between humanity and nature. Engaging chapters prompt a reevaluation of the Earth’s narrative through unique case studies, highlighting the political implications of earthquakes in Mexico City, the geological explorations at Oxford, spiritual beliefs of shamans near Indonesian volcanoes, and the gradual disappearance of islands in Japan. In every instance, political geology remains attuned to the interactions between socio-political initiatives and the geological materials that often become fluid, shift, or erode over time. This ebook is essential reading for professionals and academics in the political and geographical sciences, as well as for anthropologists, philosophers of science, and sociologists interested in the deeper implications of our planet’s geological narrative.

Reviews

“It has been widely supposed that social scientists should restrict their attention to the surface of the Earth; as a result, they have had little to say about the Earth’s geology. This wonderful collection finally ends this odd silence and, in bringing the study of politics to the Earth’s depths, opens up a whole new venue of geographical and historical enquiry.” — Andrew Barry, Department of Geography, University College London, UK

“Political Geology: Active Stratigraphies and the Making of Life is an inspiring and intellectually stimulating collection that includes contributions from some of the leading voices on the subject. However, don’t be misled; this work transcends the notion of solid ground beneath our feet; it considers the earth as a nexus of numbers, projects, and calculations. It resonates with colonial memories and material dynamics. This remarkable ebook stands out as a crucial compilation that elucidates the (geo)political dimensions inherent in the Anthropocene.” — Jussi Parikka, University of Southampton, author of A Geology of Media

“Whether we should officially define this new epoch as the Anthropocene is debatable, yet ongoing debates unequivocally illustrate that we inhabit an era dominated by political geology. Issues surrounding climate change, resource utilization, and the distinctions between biological, geological, and human realms have instigated a new awareness of the political layers within Earth sciences. Spanning regions from Korea and India to Poland and Mexico, this exhaustive volume is indispensable for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the geosciences’ role in contemporary discussions.” — James A. Secord, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge, UK

NOTE: The product only includes the ebook Political Geology: Active Stratigraphies and the Making of Life in PDF format. No access codes are provided.