The concept of 'environmental determinism' posits that the physical environment, particularly climate and geography, directly shapes human societies and their development. While this theory was popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it has been largely discredited by modern scholars who argue that it oversimplifies the complex interplay between nature and culture. Critics point to examples where similar environmental conditions have produced vastly different societal outcomes, suggesting that human agency, technology, and historical context play equally significant roles. However, some researchers now advocate for a nuanced version, termed 'environmental possibilism', which acknowledges that the environment sets certain constraints but does not dictate outcomes. This perspective emphasizes the adaptive capacity of human societies, allowing for cultural diversity within similar ecological settings. Understanding this evolution of thought is crucial for contemporary debates on climate change, as it highlights the need to consider both environmental pressures and human resilience in policy-making.
❓ Согласно тексту, в чем заключается основное различие между экологическим детерминизмом и экологическим поссибилизмом?
A. A. Детерминизм игнорирует климат, в то время как поссибилизм подчёркивает его значение.
B. B. Детерминизм рассматривает окружающую среду как решающий фактор, тогда как поссибилизм видит в ней ограничивающий, но не определяющий фактор.
C. C. Детерминизм сосредоточен на технологии, в то время как поссибилизм — на культуре.
D. D. Детерминизм является современным, в то время как поссибилизм устарел.
✅ 正确答案
B. Determinism sees environment as a decisive factor, while possibilism sees it as a limiting but not determining factor.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
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Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
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