Journal | JoLMA
Journal issue | 5 | 1 | 2024
Research Article | The World as Allegory in Cartography
The World as Allegory in Cartography
Symbolic and allegorical reference systems in the aesthetics of digital cartography
Abstract
This philosophical essay explores the idea of the world as allegory in cartography, drawing on the works of Hannah Arendt, Walter Benjamin, and Nelson Goodman. It argues existentially that maps are not only representations of measurable objects, but also of aesthetic experiences. It analyses epistemologically how maps use symbols and allegories as representations to determine meanings or reveal truths. And finally, it shows how digital maps today, like works of art, reflect and shape world views and how, as a medium, they are interwoven with the perception, cognition and (inter)action.
Submitted: Jan. 12, 2024 | Accepted: April 1, 2024 | Published July 26, 2024 | Language: en
Keywords Digital • Epistemology • Symbol • Allegory • Walter Benjamin • Nelson Goodman
Copyright © 2024 Philipp Tschochohei. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/Jolma/2723-9640/2024/01/010
