The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate among geographers. This theory posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by the physical environment, such as climate and topography. While early proponents, like Ellsworth Huntington, argued that temperate climates fostered advanced civilizations, critics contend that this perspective oversimplifies complex human-environment interactions and often carries ethnocentric biases. Modern scholarship emphasizes 'possibilism', which suggests that the environment offers a range of possibilities, and human agency, cultural values, and technological innovation play decisive roles in choosing among them. This shift reflects a broader recognition that environmental factors are influential but not deterministic, and that societies actively adapt to and modify their surroundings.
❓ According to the passage, what is a key criticism of environmental determinism?
A. It ignores the role of climate in shaping societies.
B. It overemphasizes human agency and technological innovation.
C. It simplifies the relationship between environment and society and may be ethnocentric.
D. It was only supported by a minority of geographers.
✅ Correct Answer
C. C. It simplifies the relationship between environment and society and may be ethnocentric.
