The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a contentious issue in geographic thought. Early proponents, such as Ellen Churchill Semple, argued that human activities and societal development were largely shaped by climatic and topographical conditions. However, this perspective was heavily criticized for oversimplifying the complex interplay between culture and nature. Modern geographers, like Jared Diamond, have revived interest in the topic but with a more nuanced approach, suggesting that environmental factors can influence, though not strictly determine, the trajectory of civilizations. Diamond emphasizes that while geography can set the stage, human innovation and historical contingencies play equally crucial roles. This revised framework acknowledges the environment's significant, yet non-absolute, impact, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary analysis that integrates ecological, social, and historical data.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es la principal diferencia entre el determinismo ambiental temprano y el enfoque moderno ejemplificado por Jared Diamond?
A. A. El enfoque moderno rechaza por completo cualquier influencia del entorno en las sociedades humanas.
B. B. El enfoque moderno considera que los factores ambientales son influyentes, pero no los únicos determinantes del desarrollo social.
C. C. El determinismo temprano se centraba únicamente en el clima, mientras que el enfoque moderno también considera la topografía.
D. D. El enfoque moderno sostiene que la innovación humana es irrelevante en comparación con las fuerzas ambientales.
✅ 正确答案
B. The modern approach views environmental factors as influential but not the sole determinants of societal development.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
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