First order space

From Geography

First order space

First order space is a concept introduced by Wolfgang Zierhofer. The geographer´s intention to distinguish different orders of space has to be regarded in his general understanding of space, based on theories language pragmatic Action Theory. Space in this context must be taken as non-essentialist and not transcendental. It is thus not a priori but instead a scheme of reference used by human agents. Yet it is not central object of analysis. Instead it is communication, speech acts, validity claims and similar concepts which are central to his scientific perspective (Zierhofer, 2002, pp. 1370-1371). Since space is taken as a schem of interpretation Zierhofer takes the possibility to introduce distinctive categories of space, which have to be named. He chooses to base the categories on a gradation system of orders. This is how the term first order space was coined (ibid., p. 1369)

Orders of space

He made a distinction in space, he devided space in 'first order space' and 'second order space'. Zierhofer describes the advantage of distinguishing between first and secord order space as follows: "The benefit of this distinction between first and second order spaces is to combine a notion of space as fundamental epistemic category, on the one hand, with the infinite empirical richness of particular object-spaces and locational schemes, on the other hand" (Zierhofer, 2005, p. 32). What is indicated by first order space is the “most abstract general form” of space. Second order spaces carry a more “specific meaning”, which is further determined than first order spaces. As an example we can consider the aspect of “time”, which adds a temporal dimension to certain spaces and thus forms one of many classes of second order space (Zierhofer, 2002, p. 1369). Zierhofer also admits that the distinction between different order spaces actually also ought to be regarded as a second order space, for it specifies and thus can be classified as a second order space class about ordered space (ibid.). The first order space as Zierhofer says it: "is nothing but the bare possibility to draw one or more distinctions" (ibid.). To make these distinctions we need to have underlying terms or codes to make sure we can make this distinction. For example: here/there, Yes/No and we need an amount of units to make it possible to rank these units. However, what is important is "to realize that the function and value of a universal epistemic category rests in the possibility to be applied to contents of any kind, but that this does not imply a claim of universal validity. Only an interpretation of first order space as a contingent cognitive tool – a distinction produced and used in a certain communicative context – would be compatible with a non-representational approach" (Zierhofer, 2005, p. 32).

See also: Space according to Wolfgang Zierhofer

References

Zierhofer, W. (2002). Speech acts and space(s): Language pragmatics and the discursive constitution of the social. Environment and Planning A, 34, 1355-1372.

Zierhofer, W. (2005). State, power and space. Social Geography, 1, 29-36. Retrieved on 10 October 2010, from http://www.soc-geogr.net/1/29/2005/sg-1-29-2005.pdf, p.32

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