Abstract

This cross-disciplinary book uses phenomenological method and description to explore questions of place, underscoring the significance of phenomenology for place and place for phenomenology.

The book brings together prominent scholars in phenomenology of place. Covering a range of issues from sacred places to embodiment and identity and from environmental art and architecture to limit places, the contributors explore theoretical foundations through thinkers such as Heidegger, Marion-Young, Husserl, and Leopold among others. Phenomenological method and description are brought to bear on concrete places such as rivers, the Himalayas, modern transit, sacred architecture and more. The book is accessible and pertinent to on-going discussions in human geography, architectural theory, environmental studies, and philosophy of place. Provocative and imaginative, the essays provide a much-needed look at the contributions of phenomenology to, as well as the role of place in, contemporary philosophical and environmental discussions.
The very possibility of appearance – and especially of that fundamental mode of appearance that is the subject of phenomenology – is inextricably bound to place. In Place and Phenomenology Janet Donohoe has assembled a selection of essays by leading figures in the field that offers an excellent introduction to the phenomenological inquiry into place as well as a set of concentrated place-oriented phenomenological studies. The volume will be an important contribution to the growing body of literature on place and to new approaches in phenomenology.


Jeff Malpas, Distinguished Professor, University of Tasmania
Drawing from some of the greatest classical writers on place, this collection promises to become a modern classic itself. Exploring a range of issues, from sacred spaces to the significance of embodiment, the book bridges phenomenological theory with illuminations of actual, lived places. It is a must-read for everyone interested in exploring the wonder and mystery of how we dwell.
Ingrid Leman Stefanovic, Dean, Faculty of Environment, Simon Fraser University
Janet Donohoe is Dean of the Honors College and Professor of Philosophy at the University of West Georgia. She is the author of Remembering Places (2014).

Contributors: Anne Buttimer, Emeritus Professor of Geography, University College Dublin, Ireland; John Cameron, formerly of University of Tasmania, Australia; Patricia Glazebrook, Professor of Philosophy and Director of the School of Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, Washington State University, USA; James Hatley, Professor of Environmental Studies, Salisbury University, USA; Kirsten Jacobson, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Maine, USA; Bruce Janz, Professor of Philosophy, University of Central Florida, USA; Irene Klaver, Director of the Philosophy of Water Project and Professor of Philosophy, University of North Texas, USA; Adam Konopka, Besl Chair of Philosophy, Xavier University, USA; Jonathan Maskit, Visiting Assistant Professor, Denison University, USA; Bob Mugerauer, Professor and Dean Emeritus, Departments of Architecture, Urban Design and Planning, and adjunct in Landscape Architecture and Anthropology, University of Washington, USA; Edward Relph, Emeritus Professor of Geography, University of Toronto, Canada; Bob Sandmeyer, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and member of Environmental and Sustainability Studies faculty, University of Kentucky, USA; David Seamon, Professor of Architecture, Kansas State University, USA; Ingrid Stefanovic, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Simon Fraser University, Canada; David Wood, W. Alton Jones Professor of Philosophy, Vanderbilt University, USA
This collection will be of great help to anyone who is interested in the meaning and significance of place. Phenomenology can help to understand the role of place in human existence in general, as well as deal with concrete places such as sacred sites or environmental artworks. But this book also shows how ‘limit’ cases – outer space, erased places, buildings – seem to challenge the phenomenological method as such. Together, these thoughtful essays provide a good overview of the full breadth of phenomenological contributions to contemporary environmental philosophy.


Martin Drenthen, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Radboud University