Nomadology

From Geography

Nomadology is, according to Deleuze and Guattari the opposite of a state-centric, settled point of view which they connect to history. They see nomadology as an alternative way of interpreting human civilization. It is a dynamic proces where the actor is constantly changing because of the dynamics that are implied in nomadic actions. Nomadology does not refer to one place, Deleuze and Guattari speak of smooth space. Through the act of deterritorialization the human being is free, moving around and constantly becoming something else. The body is not settled and not restricted by territorializations of power.

Deleuze and Guatarri characterize the nomad as: “The nomad has a territory; he follows customary paths; he goes from one point to another; he is not ignorant of points (water points, dwelling points, assembly points, etc.). The water point is reached only in order to be left behind; every point is a relay and exists only as a relay. A path is always between two points, but then-between has taken on all the consistency and enjoys both autonomy and a direction of its own. But the nomad goes from point to point only as a consequence and as a factual necessity; in principle, points for him are relays along a trajectory"(Deleuze & Guatarri, 2010, p. 43-44).

References

Deleuze, G. & Guattari, F. (1986). Nomadology, The war machine.

Deleuze, G. & Guatarri, F. (2010). Nomadology: The war machine. Wormwood Distribution, Seattle

Gregory, D., Johnston, R., Pratt, G., Watts, M., & Whatmore, S (2009). The Dictionary of Human Geography. Oxford: Blackwell.

Published by fabian Busch (s0816639)

Page enhances by JensLubben 22:27, 16 December 2011 (CET)