Theory of Science, a journal for interdisciplinary studies of science, seeks research articles, review articles and book reviews focusing on epistemologies of spaces and places.

Spatial, or geographical turn in the history and philosophy of science, advocated by scholars such as Steven Shapin or David Livingstone, constitutes one of the possible orientations by means of which researchers attempt to overcome more traditional ways of inquiry that have perceived scientific knowledge as universal by definition. The spatial turn echoes concerns raised most notably in feminism that had born arguments in favor of modes of knowing "located in body and space" (Dorothy Smith) and brought Donna Haraway to develop the notions of situated knowledges and positioned rationality. Likewise, postcolonial studies have focused on intersections of place and knowledge since the founding works of Edward Said on Orientalism and traveling theory. The ethnographic studies of science, exemplified by Bruno Latour, found the seemingly universal space of scientific knowledge constructed in laboratories and by a network of immutable mobiles. The questions raised by the spatial turn lead us even beyond Clifford Geertz assertion that most knowledge is inherently local. While we have become accustomed to speak of historical epistemology or changing epistemes, can we identify spatial or geopolitical arrangements and boundaries that would accord space a role similar to that of time in the production, evaluation and dissemination of knowledge? Is geo-epistemology (Claudio Carnapo) a warranted concept? Do disciplines in human sciences and in natural science differ fundamentally by their spatial embedment? How can we analyze the ties between spaces, places and knowledges without making recourse to mere styles and lingering preconceptions of uneven development?
For a special thematic section of the journal, we seek additional texts that deal with the epistemologies of spaces and places conceptually or empirically. The theme is opened to various spatial scales, from architectural setting to geopolitical considerations. Contributions focusing on either natural, social or human sciences are welcomed.

Please, send abstracts or prior queries by 20th June 2013 to teorievedy@flu.cas.cz; full papers will be expected by 20th August.
Theory of Science is a peer-reviewed academic journal founded in 1969. Currently, the journal is indexed in databases such as ERIH, CEJSH, EBSCO. For more information, visit http://teorievedy.flu.cas.cz/ .