answersLogoWhite

0

environmental determinism

Environmental determinism, also known as climatic determinism or geographical determinism, is the view that the physical environment, rather than social conditions, determines culture. Those who believe this view say that humans are strictly defined by stimulus-response (environment-behavior) and cannot deviate. The fundamental argument of the environmental determinists was that aspects of physical geography, particularly climate, influenced the psychological mind-set of individuals, which in turn defined the behaviour and culture of the society that those individuals formed. For example, tropical climates were said to cause laziness, relaxed attitudes and promiscuity, while the frequent variability in the weather of the middle latitudes led to more determined and driven work ethics. Because these environmental influences operate slowly on human Biology, it was important to trace the migrations of groups to see what environmental conditions they had evolved under. Key proponents of this notion have included Ellen Churchill Semple, Ellsworth Huntington, Thomas Griffith Taylor and possibly Jared Diamond. Although Diamond's work does make connections between environmental and climatic conditions and societal development, it is published with the stated intention of disproving racist and eurocentric theories of development.

possibilism

Possibilism in cultural geography is the theory that the environment sets certain constraints or limitations, but culture is otherwise determined by man's actions. In Cultural ecology Marshall Sahlins used this concept in order to develop alternative approaches to the environmental determinism dominant at that time in ecological studies.

The controversy between geographical possibilism and determinism might be considered as one of (at least) three dominant epistemologic controversies of contemporary geography. The other two controversies are 1) the "debate between neopositivists and neokantians about the "exceptionalism" or the specificity of geography as a science the contention between Mackinder and Kropotkin about what is - or should be - geography."

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the difference between environmental determinism and possiblism?

Environmental determinism is the belief that the physical environment directly determines the development of human societies and cultures. This theory suggests that factors such as climate, topography, and resources dictate how societies will evolve. In contrast, possibilism argues that while the environment can influence human societies, it does not solely determine their development. Possibilism suggests that human agency and technological advancements can overcome environmental limitations and create new possibilities for societies to thrive.


What is the main difference between determinism and compatibilism in the context of free will?

Determinism argues that all events, including human actions, are determined by causes outside of our control, while compatibilism suggests that free will and determinism can coexist, as our actions can still be considered free even if they are determined by factors like our desires and beliefs.


Is there a collelation between enviromental?

yes.


What is the difference between compatibilism and determinism?

Compatibilism argues that both "free will" and "determinism" are compatible and if you believe in one, then you don't necessarily disbelieve in the other.Free will says that a person can do, think, react as they please without restraint because no-one or thing can alter those actions, however, Determinism states that individuals do, think and react because there is an unbroken chain- that spans indefinitely, of prior events.


What is the difference between compatibilism and determinism in terms of free will and moral responsibility?

Compatibilism is the belief that free will and determinism can coexist, meaning that even if our actions are determined by factors like genetics or environment, we can still be morally responsible for our choices. Determinism, on the other hand, argues that all events, including human actions, are determined by causes outside of our control, which can challenge the idea of free will and moral responsibility.


What is the difference between determinism and fatalism and how do they influence our understanding of free will?

Determinism is the belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by causes external to the will. Fatalism, on the other hand, is the belief that all events are predetermined and inevitable. Determinism suggests that our actions are influenced by external factors, while fatalism implies that our actions are already predestined. Both concepts challenge the idea of free will by suggesting that our choices may not be entirely within our control.


What is environmental probabilism?

Environmental probabilism is the notion that a given environment can be modified in many probable ways for a particular purpose through sound environmental engineering,as opposed to environmental determinism. It is an extention of environmental possibilism.


Main difference between inherited variation and enviromental variation?

Inherited variation is what is passed on through genetics, for example, your eye color. Environmental variation is influnced by the environment, for example, scars or clothing styles.


What is the difference between inherited and enviromental factors?

An inherited factor is passed on through the genes of the parents. An environmental factor has to do with influences in the environment. Inherited factors cannot be changed, while environmental factors usually can be.


What is evironmental determinism as a school of thought?

Environmental determinism is a school of thought that suggests that human societies are shaped and determined by their physical environment. This theory argues that environmental factors, such as climate, geography, and resources, have the primary influence on cultural development and societal progress. Critics argue that environmental determinism oversimplifies the complex interactions between humans and their environment.


What is difference between personal hygiene and environment hygiene?

Personal hygiene has to do with hygiene about yourself, clean hands, etc... Enviromental hygiene has to do with hygiene around your work area (kitchen area), rats, mould, etc...


What is the difference between free will and determinism?

Determinists espouse the view that all human actions are caused by something. While Free Will ignore so-called determining factors such as genetics, environmental influences, and freely choose how and when to act.