Spatial Dimensions: Distance and Society

This lecture explores the fundamental role of distance in human spatial dimensions, from the necessity of contact for societal reproduction to historical examples of forced separations. It delves into the concept of distance in various contexts, such as traditional reproduction, urban segregation, apartheid, and social realities. The lecture also introduces key vocabulary related to distance, including ubiquity, landlocking, and mobility, emphasizing the importance of movement for human autonomy. It discusses the management of distance throughout history, from the Neolithic Revolution to contemporary telecommunication, highlighting the interplay between co-presence, mobility, and telecommunication. The lecture concludes by examining the concept of co-petition, where competition and cooperation intersect in various spatial networks.