THE LEGACY OF ÉLISÉE RECLUS FOR A GEOGRAPHY WITHOUT DICHOTOMIES

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the contribution of Élisée Reclus's political radicalism and thematic plurality to a Geography free from dichotomies, which culminated in a distinctive form of socially oriented Critical Geography. The objective is to expand knowledge about the author's work and highlight its relevance to contemporary Critical Geography. The article examines the work of Reclus, which remains understudied and often misunderstood. This misunderstanding largely stems from the mistaken association of his writings with a superficial and descriptive positivism, disregarding the depth and complexity of his ideas. The methodology primarily involved a comprehensive literature review, including the author’s original works and critical analyses by scholars of his oeuvre. Through his active participation in anarchist politics and his vision of society integrated with nature, Reclus developed a broad thematic approach, prominently reflected in his works. By exploring the libertarian paths outlined by the author, Human Geography discovers new horizons for reflection and transformation, challenging the boundaries of established knowledge and embracing a more critical, inclusive, and dichotomy-free vision of the world.