Powerful geographical knowledge is critical knowledge underpinned by critical realism

Geographical knowledge is powerful if it is critical and empowering. This article develops this argument with reference to the philosophy of knowledge and Laura Wheelahan's advocacy of critical realism as the philosophical strand of her social realist curriculum theory. While the GeoCapabilitie...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inInternational research in geographical and environmental education Vol. 28; no. 1; pp. 70 - 84
Main Author Huckle, John
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Routledge 02.01.2019
Subjects
Citizenship Responsibility
Constructivism (Learning)
critical geography
critical realism
Critical Theory
curriculum
Curriculum Development
Educational Philosophy
Empowerment
Futures (of Society)
Geography Instruction
Global Approach
Knowledge Base for Teaching
Personal Autonomy
philosophy
Powerful knowledge
Realism
Social Justice
Social Theories
Student Development
Sustainability
Teacher Role
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Summary:Geographical knowledge is powerful if it is critical and empowering. This article develops this argument with reference to the philosophy of knowledge and Laura Wheelahan's advocacy of critical realism as the philosophical strand of her social realist curriculum theory. While the GeoCapabilities Project has drawn on the sociological strand of that theory, its neglect of the philosophical strand means that its concept of powerful geographical knowledge remains ambiguous. Incorporating critical realism, along with critical theory and pedagogy, would allow the project to better realise its aims and open up new directions for research.
ISSN:1038-2046
1747-7611
DOI:10.1080/10382046.2017.1366203