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, technology, and environment. However, a more nuanced perspective, termed 'possibilism,' suggests that while the environment sets certain constraints, human agency and innovation play a pivotal role in overcoming these limitations. For instance, societies in arid regions have developed intricate irrigation systems, demonstrating that environmental challenges can spur technological advancement rather than dictate cultural outcomes. This shift from determinism to possibilism reflects a broader trend in social sciences toward acknowledging human adaptability and the non-linear relationship between nature and society.
❓ この文章によると、環境決定論と可能論の主な違いは何ですか？
A. A) 決定論は技術を無視する一方、可能論は技術を唯一の要因として強調する。
B. B) 決定論は環境を支配的な力と見なす一方、可能論はそれを制限的ではあるが克服可能な要因と見なす。
C. C) 可能主義は環境の影響をすべて否定するが、決定論はそれを部分的に受け入れる。
D. D) 両理論とも、人間の革新が社会変革の主要な推進力であるという点で一致している。
✅ 正确答案
B) Determinism views environment as a controlling force, while possibilism sees it as a limiting but surmountable factor.
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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