What is the definition of possibilism in relations to geography?

Answer 1

Possibilism is the antithesis of Environmental Determinism. The concept of Environmental Determinism says that the environment influences the actions of humans. For example, people believed that island nations had their own unique culture because of their isolation. We know that this is not the case anymore because of our advanced technology we can visit those islands. Globalization will also take place at those places. So the definition of possibilism is that the natural environment provides a number of possibilities- people will respond based on their own culture. An example of possibilism would be that we can live in the desert because we can get running water and electricity which will make living there possible.

Answer 2

Possibilism is the theory in geography that emphasizes the role of human agency and innovation in shaping the environment. It suggests that while the environment sets certain constraints, human societies have the ability to adapt and modify their surroundings to suit their needs through technology, culture, and economy. This perspective contrasts with environmental determinism, which posits that the environment wholly determines human behavior and development.