Legal Perspective:
* Black's Law Dictionary: "The solid, unyielding part of the earth's surface, including all things attached to it naturally or artificially, as well as the airspace above and the subsurface below." This definition is often used in legal contexts and emphasizes the physical aspects of land.
* Sir William Blackstone: "Land comprehends not only the face of the earth, but everything under it or over it. It includes not only the soil, but things attached to it, whether by nature, as trees, or by man, as buildings." This definition is more comprehensive and includes both natural and artificial features.
Economic Perspective:
* Ricardo: "Land is that which yields a natural product, without any previous application of capital or labour." This definition focuses on the natural productivity of land and its role in economic production.
* Marshall: "Land is the original and indestructible agent of production." This definition emphasizes the importance of land as a fundamental resource for economic activity.
Geographical Perspective:
* Carl Sauer: "Land is a complex of physical, biological, and cultural components." This definition highlights the multifaceted nature of land, including its physical, biological, and human dimensions.
* David Harvey: "Land is a social construct, shaped by human activities and power relations." This definition emphasizes the role of human agency and social factors in shaping the landscape.
Philosophical Perspective:
* John Locke: "Land is owned by those who mix their labor with it." This definition highlights the concept of property ownership and the role of human labor in acquiring rights to land.
* Immanuel Kant: "Land is a necessary condition for human existence and freedom." This definition emphasizes the importance of land as a fundamental resource for human life and liberty.
Other Perspectives:
* Environmentalists: "Land is a vital ecosystem that provides essential services for human and natural life." This definition emphasizes the ecological importance of land.
* Indigenous Peoples: "Land is sacred and has inherent spiritual significance." This definition recognizes the cultural and spiritual value of land.
It is important to note that these are just a few examples of how "land" has been defined by different scholars. The specific definition used will depend on the context of the discussion.