The concept of 'environmental determinism,' which posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions, dominated geographic thought in the early twentieth century. However, this perspective has been heavily criticized for its oversimplification and potential to justify colonialism. Contemporary scholars advocate for 'possibilism,' arguing that while the environment imposes constraints, human innovation and cultural choices play a pivotal role in overcoming these limitations. For instance, the Netherlands, despite its low-lying geography, has thrived through advanced water management technologies. This shift reflects a broader trend in social sciences toward recognizing human agency and complex interactions between nature and society.
❓ What is the main reason contemporary scholars reject environmental determinism?
A. A. It ignores the role of technological innovation and human choice.
B. B. It is too focused on the Netherlands as a case study.
C. C. It overemphasizes cultural differences among societies.
D. D. It lacks any historical basis in geographic thought.
✅ 正确答案
A. It ignores the role of technological innovation and human choice.
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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