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The role played by the theoretical & quantitative revolution in geography is outlined, with particular emphasis on how geographic theory evolved & came to differ from other discipline-based theories. Differences between the initial descriptive spatial theories & the later normative mathematically based theories are emphasized. The making of geographic theory from economic principles is acknowledged & the way that spatial & nonspatial concepts are linked to provide a powerful, normative, well-formed theory is illustrated. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the reasoning & inferential processes used in theory construction, & essential spatial or geographic processes are acknowledged. The transition between descriptive & analytical models is shown in the context of urban settlement & form. Also detailed is the transition from descriptive to normative to process-based theories as geography matured. 9 Figures, 26 References. Adapted from the source document.

Offers a survey of contemporary sociological theory including: a characterization of theory in the discipline; the relation between history of theory & systematic theory; the levels of formalization of theory; the uses & value of sociological theory; & the issue of scientific accumulation of theory. The principal division between macro & microsociological theories & their major subtypes is sketched, & some of the major debates in contemporary theory are identified. Discussion includes several key questions that must be asked if a theory is to be properly understood & criticized. 1 Photograph, 57 References. Adapted from the source document.