Geozentristik

Geozentristik is a term used to describe the study and discussion of geocentric perspectives across science, technology, and culture. It covers historical geocentric cosmologies, the use of Earth-centered reference frames in mapping and navigation, and philosophical questions about the centrality of the observer in knowledge production. The field considers both the historical role of Earth-centered ideas and their ongoing influence on how we frame problems and interpret data.

Historically, geozentristik includes discussions of geocentric cosmologies, where Earth was viewed as the center of the universe. The shift to heliocentric models marked a turning point in science and changed how researchers approached astronomy, physics, and observational methods. In modern practice, the term also touches on geodesy and geographic information systems, where geocentric datums and Earth-centered, Earth-fixed coordinate systems are standard references, with WGS84 and similar systems used in global positioning and mapping.

Geozentristik furthermore analyzes the social and methodological implications of centrality assumptions. It examines how an Earth-centered perspective can influence research questions, instrumentation, data visualization, and pedagogy, as well as how alternative reference frames—such as topocentric or heliocentric viewpoints—may be more appropriate in different contexts. The field aims to foster a nuanced understanding of reference frames, highlight the historical evolution of human perspective, and promote awareness of how frame choice shapes scientific interpretation.