THE REFLEXIVE APPROACH TO TRUTH IN HUMAN GEOGRAPHY: LESSONS FROM PROFESSOR VIRGIL-ACHILES GÂRBACEA
Virgil-Achiles GÂRBACEA1, Alexandru-Sabin NICULA1,2
1Faculty of Geography, Babeș-Bolyai University from Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2Centre for Mountain Economy CE-MONT, “Costin C. Kirițescu” National Institute for Economic Research, Romanian Academy. Corresponding author: Al.-S. NICULA (sabin.nicula@ince.ro)
ABSTRACT. The Reflexive Approach to Truth in Human Geography: Lessons from Professor Virgil-Achiles Gârbacea. This paper presents an Interview with the renowned Professor Virgil-Achiles GÂRBACEA, one of the very few visionaries who have understood and embraced the new research paradigms recognized at the international level within the scientific spectrum of Geography. Designed within a matrix of semi-open collaboration, the research questions aimed to explore the professor’s perspective on the nature, perception, and construction of truth and weaknesses within human geography and within the specific context of Romania. The professor emphasized the importance of a critical and reflexive approach to the concept of truth in the field of human geography. He highlighted that truth and its weaknesses in this context are influenced by multiple social, cultural, and political variables. Furthermore, the professor acknowledged that human geography is a constantly evolving discipline, and understanding truth in this field requires a dynamic perspective and adaptability to societal changes. We underscore that the issue of truth and its weaknesses in this field is complex and fluid, and comprehending it necessitates a critical, contextualized, and open approach to dialogue. Additionally, a reflexive approach to the social and political construction of truth within the specific context of Romania is essential.
Keywords: truth, weakness, human geography, critical approach, knowledge, Romania.