ABSTRACT
The traditional regional geography which preceded the quantitative revolution combined distaste for theory and conceptual analysis with a treatment of geographical phenomena as unique and as not susceptible to explanation by reference to general laws. Recently, some geographers have begun to consider realist philosophy as a possible source of guidance. Probably the most refreshing and lasting contribution of the quantitative revolution was in breaking out of this complacent isolationism and mediocrity. Consequently, given the heterogeneity and complexity of objects like regions, one cannot reasonably expect works of geographical or historical synthesis to provide exhaustive intensive studies on all aspects of a region. A realist geography must be deeply concerned with theory, even in the conduct of empirical research, though in a different sense of the term 'theory' from that understood by mainstream geographers. If so, then realist geography might more properly be called idiographic.
