Non-Representational Theory

Abstract

Nonrepresentational theory offers a critique of prevailing modes of representational thought in geography, particularly cultural geography, by attending to (embodied) practices which precede or exceed reflexive or cognitive understanding. It does this through a number of tenets (practice, everyday life, embodiment, performativity, virtuality) which aim to present (rather than represent) the undisclosed and sometimes undisclosable nature of the everyday. Despite its title, nonrepresentational theory does not seek to advance a new epistemological approach in geography, rather it seeks to configure thought in the same manner that it configures life: as a series of infinite ‘ands’ which might add to the world rather than extract stable representations from it. Nonrepresentational geographies have claimed to refigure what it means to be both ethical and political and, for this reason, have received critique.