Body, Space and Maps

Abstract

The term space has a long history and is subject to discussions in various fields, for example in physics where Isaac Newton via his spokesman Samuel Clarke and Gottfried Leibniz had a great debate about the notions of space and time (Absolutism versus Realism). The aim of this article is to critically reflect on the term space in a sociological context and to relate it to the body as means through which we experience , but also create, space . As such, the article will argue that we are not only situated in space , but also form space with and through our body . Obviously, there are other ways in which space can be thought about (for example, historical, mathematical or physical) that the article does not want to argue against. Rather, the article proposes an alternative viewing of space , namely as a physical event but also as a social phenomenon. The attempt is to relate space not only to abstract (mathematical) formulas, but also to man. It is hoped that this perspective allows a new approach to space , especially in social research settings.