| Abstract: | Conclusion At a time when transnational communities are being created which extend beyond the confines of regions and natio-States, geographers
are questioning the very foundations of their discipline and their function in society. Not only do they no longer avoid acknowledging
their role in the transmission of spatial, regional and national identity, but they no longer act solely within the framework
of the nation-State. The juxtaposition of local and world considerations prompts them to embark upon new inquiries tending
towards the teaching of a conceptual and topical geography which can mobilize pupils and teachers alike according to broad
social, temporal and spatial principles.
Human beings, frail creatures of the earth, have only one real tool adapted to the vastness of the spaces with which we have
to grapple: the mind (Ratzel, 1988).
Born in 1944. Professor of geography at the University of Geneva, having taught in Canada and France. He holds a doctorate
from the Sorbonne and has studied geography and regional sciences in France and the United States of America. He has been
chief examiner at the International Baccalaureat Office. He is now President of the Western Regional Science Association and
the Swiss Association of University Lecturers. His recent publications, as author or editor, include:Encyclopédie de géographie Encyclopedia of geography] (2nd ed., 1995),Introduction à la géographie humaine Introduction to human geography] (5th ed., 1995) andLes concepts de la géographie Geographical concepts] (3rd ed., 1995). He is editor-in-chief of the series entitled ‘Géographie’ at the Anthropos publishing
house, Paris. |
