The concept of 'environmental determinism,' which posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions, has been largely discredited in modern geography. Critics argue that it oversimplifies the complex interplay between culture and environment, ignoring human agency and technological innovation. However, a nuanced perspective, termed 'possibilism,' suggests that while the environment sets certain constraints, it does not dictate human choices. Instead, societies adapt and modify their surroundings based on cultural values and technological capabilities. Recent studies in climate resilience highlight that communities with strong social institutions often thrive despite harsh environmental conditions, underscoring the role of adaptive capacity. Thus, the relationship between environment and society is better understood as a dynamic dialogue rather than a one-way causal chain.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 환경 결정론에 대한 주요 비판은 무엇인가?
A. 기후가 사회를 형성하는 역할을 무시한다.
B. 기술 혁신을 지나치게 강조한다.
C. 그것은 인간의 주체성과 문화적 복잡성을 설명하지 못한다.
D. 지리적 제약의 중요성을 무시한다.
✅ 正确答案
It fails to account for human agency and cultural complexity.
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)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first