Geography and Metaphysics: Revisiting Geography to Rethink Space, Place, and Human Perceptions

Abstract

To The intersection of geography and metaphysics provides a unique lens to explore how humans perceive space and place. While traditional geography focuses on spatial patterns and physical landscapes, a metaphysical approach allows for a deeper understanding of subjective experiences, cultural constructs, and the philosophical essence of space. This paper revisits geographic thought, examining its evolution from classical determinism to contemporary humanistic and phenomenological perspectives. Traditional geographic discourse has primarily focused on spatial distributions, physical landscapes, and human interactions, yet a deeper philosophical inquiry reveals that space and place are not merely physical entities but also conceptual and experiential dimensions shaped by human cognition.  By integrating insights from philosophy, environmental perception, and spatial theory, we explore how human cognition, memory, and cultural identity shape the meaning of place. The study employs a qualitative methodological framework, drawing from philosophical texts, geographic theories, and cultural narratives to illustrate the dynamic and non-static nature of spatial understanding. The findings suggest that metaphysical geography has profound implications for urban planning, environmental ethics, and socio-political spaces, challenging us to rethink how we define and interact with place in an increasingly globalized world