Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Hierarchy, Systems, And Geography, Gerald R. Pitzl

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

The concept of hierarchy in geographical studies has been applied primarily to identifications of structure and not process. This limited application is partly due to the omission of the concept in attempts at applying systems theory in geographic studies. Hierarchy as an organizing and integrating concept is an essential element in systems investigations. Several philosophical dichotomies that have hampered holistic geographical research efforts are reviewed, and the concept of hierarchy in process investigations is placed within the wider realm of systems theory. Extension of the integrating nature of geography into authentic interdisciplinary studies is encouraged.