A relational interpretation of time-geography

Abstract

This chapter aims to develop an extended and modified conceptual time-geographical framework that meets the demands of existential and relational human beings' needs when organizing their daily lives. To that purpose, theoretical perspectives derived from, e.g., actor-network theory, post-phenomenology, emotional geography and assemblage theory are applied to develop new theoretical concepts that represent people's relatedness to the world. The chapter discusses existential thoughts and feelings in terms of relational needs. It explains the classical time-geographical framework. Time-geography places the material basis as an existential foundation of human life at the center. It is based on an absolute and relative interpretation of time and space. The chapter also discusses three existential feelings that are omnipresent and demonstrates what matters in human existence. Anxiety, affection and significance are fundamental existential feelings that connect people to the world but precede will or consciousness. The chapter concludes and explores avenues for future research.