The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate in geography. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that climate and topography directly shape human behavior and societal development. However, this view was criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural and economic factors. Modern scholars advocate for 'possibilism', which posits that the environment offers a range of possibilities, and human agency ultimately determines the outcome. This shift reflects a broader trend in social sciences toward acknowledging human adaptability and technological innovation, even in harsh environments like deserts or polar regions. Yet, recent studies on climate change impacts suggest that environmental constraints, particularly in vulnerable regions, can still limit developmental choices, reigniting interest in a nuanced form of determinism that incorporates both environmental limits and human resilience.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es la principal diferencia entre el determinismo ambiental y el posibilismo?
A. El determinismo ignora la agencia humana, mientras que el posibilismo la enfatiza.
B. El determinismo se centra en el clima, mientras que el posibilismo se centra en la tecnología.
C. El determinismo está anticuado, mientras que el posibilismo es universalmente aceptado hoy en día.
D. El determinismo se aplica a las regiones polares, mientras que el posibilismo se aplica a los desiertos.
✅ 正确答案
Determinism ignores human agency, while possibilism emphasizes it.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
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Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
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