雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. Early proponents argued that human behavior and societal development were largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions. However, this view was criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural interactions and for justifying colonialism. Modern scholarship, such as that by Jared Diamond, acknowledges environmental influences but emphasizes that they are mediated by technological innovation, historical contingencies, and human agency. For instance, while fertile river valleys may encourage agriculture, the actual trajectory of a civilization depends on factors like trade networks, political institutions, and external contacts. Thus, contemporary geographers reject strict determinism, favoring a nuanced model where environment offers constraints and opportunities, but does not dictate outcomes.