ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. This book presents a perspective on geographical philosophy that falls squarely within the framework of Geography as science. Geographers have a distinguished record of involvements both in public policy and in the production of evidence-based research. In physical geography, river catchments and drainage networks have as important a role in the applied contexts of flood control and pollution management as in the theoretical world of landscape evolution and slope development. The book considers a range of human geographical initiatives in the realm of public policy. Brian Robson, for many years, has taken a very active role in public policy research, often concerned with inner city problems and with monitoring the effectiveness of government initiatives. Robson and Shove identify social polarization, environmental quality, governance and public health.
