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Given the dearth of theoretical work published by physical geographers on issues around epistemology and method, this paper discusses two main topics: first, some connections between Physical Geography and Philosophy and its relations with scientific thought; then, issues on method, methodology, and hierarchical levels of approach resorted to in the study of geosystems - the guiding perspective in this paper. The study drew on bibliographic research and took into account the Russian-Soviet view on geosystems in order to systematize and problematize the ideas developed by Physical Geography, with emphasis on its theoretical-methodological linkages. Subsequently, the study sought to articulate the historical context of development of general systems theory and geosystems theory, based on their conceptual and methodological particularities. A diachronic examination of the structuring and grounds of geosystems theory allowed establishing conceptual correlations in the field of Physical Geography in particular, considering its backgrounds in the history of scientific thought in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]