Lena Zuchowski (University of Bristol)
Geomorphology faces unique epistemological challenges. The most prominent of these is the scale problem, i.e. the fact that geomorphological phenomena encompass process on many different spatial-temporal scales. I identify and compare two predominant methodological approaches to the scale problem: a framework approach, which aims at the provision of general frameworks for the integration of evidence, and an individualistic approach, which rejects the application of general frameworks and advocates approaching each investigation without preconditions. Furthermore, I discuss why, in this debate, philosophy of science has not been viewed as helpful by geomorphologists and what tools philosophers can bring to it.
