Maps

Abstract

Maps provide an interesting and significant contrast to the sorts of quantitative information that we have discussed hitherto. First, they are not affected by the “magic number” syndrome; although they can be used to make strong or contentious claims, they do not possess the aura of objective truth in the same way as numbers. Because of this cultural difference, maps are now generally accepted as being the product of human creation, embodying policies, prejudices and error. The imperfections in maps are therefore not an occasion for dismay; nor do philosophers need to argue that somehow they still belong in a Platonic heaven of quantitative science. Modifications in maps are generally appreciated as being the result of changes in both scientific knowledge and political realities: philosophers have not needed to articulate general theories of “cartographical falsifiability” or “cartographical revolutions”.