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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]

Dom Pedro II was considered a scholar and enthusiast of arts and culture and an important sponsor of science, a facet little known by most Brazilians. He was educated based on the ideals of the Enlightenment. Less well known are his writings on physical geography, caves, and karst areas he passed through. Thus, the main objective of this research is to highlight the records of the karst landscape and its features in Brazil and other countries. To fulfil the objective, the authors carried out documentary research in the travel diaries of the Emperor (1840-1889). The material was transcribed to around 1,064 pages, divided into two thematic axes. He made detailed accounts of the fauna and flora of the places registering in his diaries his geographical impressions of the places. While it is not possible to say that the records were strictly karstological or speleological, the documents are, to some extent, quite scientific. Therefore, it is impossible to deny the importance and cultural value of these documents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]