The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. This theory posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that temperate climates fostered industriousness and innovation, while tropical regions were associated with indolence. However, this view was heavily criticized for its ethnocentric bias and oversimplification. Modern scholars advocate for 'possibilism', which acknowledges that environment sets constraints, but human agency and culture play decisive roles in shaping outcomes. For instance, the Netherlands, despite its cold and damp climate, has thrived through technological adaptation, whereas some resource-rich nations have struggled due to political instability. Thus, while geography influences civilization, it does not determine its destiny.
❓ この文章で提示されている主な主張は何ですか?
A. A. 環境決定論は社会の発展を正確に説明している。
B. B. 地理的条件が人類の進歩における唯一の要因である。
C. C. 人間の選択と文化は、環境的制約よりも重要である。
D. D. 気候は人間社会に影響を及ぼさない。
✅ 正确答案
C. Human choices and culture are more important than environmental constraints.
IELTS Reading Tips
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