Geographic space and productive forces: arguments in defense of the centrality of the concept of technique in Geography

Abstract

This article argues in defense of the centrality of the technique in the framework of the geographic method. In this sense, part of Milton Santos' theoretical construction is exposed – whose conception of geographic space guides the present analysis – in which the technical phenomenon is discussed. This approach is complemented by the recovery of Marxist formulations that emphasize the explanatory primacy of the productive forces: for that, we turn to the seminal work of G. A. Cohen in his technological explanation of history. We indicate that a certain proximity can be detected between the concept of technique in Santos and the category of productive forces as mobilized by Gerald Cohen. It is presented the understanding that the productive forces, in specific, and the technique, in general, must be taken as relevant elements for the critical approach in geography, constituting itself as a fruitful principle of method in the understanding of the space, allowing that the singularity of a technical object – in its specific form and function – is considered with reference to the social practices that give it life, opening up room for visualization of social processes and structures. Also, throughout the exhibition, an attempt was made to respond to some criticisms addressed to the proposed centrality of technique in geography found in the work of Milton Santos.