WEEK02 Searching for the Topic of My Thesis

The preliminary topic of my thesis is volcanic landscapes. In order to gain a better understanding of the related knowledge, I have read a book recommended by my advisor, Geographer Adam Bobbette's "The Pulse of the Earth: Political Geology in Java.”

The Pulse of the Earth: Political Geology in Java

Author: Adam Bobbette

(https://www.dukeupress.edu/the-pulse-of-the-earth)

--My reading notes：

This book is about the geological,sociological,political and theological connections in narratives about volcanoes. They are interdependent and mutually influential. Geologists have gained experience and inspiration from religious myths,narratives and spiritual geographies,which have helped to build a modernised scientific narrative of volcanoes.The book tells stories about volcanoes from different perspectives,including volcanic activity,volcanic predictions,rituals,and scientific research.Both mysticism and scientism were trying to understand the certainty of volcanoes in their individual ways.But progressively stronger scientism began to criticize mysticism as feudal superstition,and scientists were caught in an impasse that made it difficult to gain the trust of the local people. The book's account of how volcanoes were explored and understood by different groups at different times inspires thinking about how to resolve this crisis of trust.

--Inspiration for me：

The description of the friction between mysticism and scientism, as well as the explanation of the profound impact of volcanic activities on Javanese culture, have inspired me to contemplate the relationship between volcanic activities, intergroup friction, and volcanic cultural landscapes.