Territory and Space: Transformation of Categories at the Present Stage of Development of Geographical Science

Abstract

The aim is to reveal the essence of transformation of key categories of geographical science "territory" and "space" in the context of modern processes of socio-economic development of society; consider geographical matter as a philosophical basis for theoretical and methodological research of spatial development; show the role of socio-economic zoning as a methodological toolbox of territorial research. The article reveals the peculiarities of the development of tourist and recreational activity as a "staple" of territory and space under the conditions of innovative development, digitalization of modern society and its spheres of life. Materials and methods. Information base is the works of domestic geographers-social scientists, materials of researches on socio-economic microzoning of the Voronezh region, statistical information of the territorial body of the Federal State Statistics Service. Results and discussion. It is shown that the spatial and temporal development of society poses new questions to the socio-economic geography, requires researchers to revise and rethink the established traditional scientific categories. The philosophical basis of the theoretical research on the transformation of the defi nitions "territory" and "space" is the scientific category "geographical matter", which is presented as an obligatory and necessary precondition for human activity in all its forms and manifestations. Territory and space are often perceived as synonyms, although professional geographers have separated them, fi lling them with different contents. Socio-economic zoning, which acts as a tool for managing spatial development, acquires particular importance in this regard. Conclusions. At the present stage of social development space becomes multidimensional, very dynamic and increasingly complex. Information and virtual spaces are becoming new realities that need to be studied by geographers and used in different public spheres and sectors of the economy, in particular for the development of the tourism industry.