What is Possibilism? Definition and Characteristics .
Possibilism in Geography What is Possibilism in Geography ? Possibilism is a geographical concept that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a reaction against environmental determinism. Possibilism emphasizes that human beings, through their actions, have the power to shape their environment, rather than being entirely determined by it. In essence, possibilism argues that while the natural environment sets limits on what is physically possible, it is ultimately human culture, technology, and social organization that determines how those limits are navigated and transcended. Possibilists view human society as being in a constant state of negotiation with the natural environment, with the potential to adapt and innovate to overcome environmental constraints. Some of the key figures associated with possibilism in geography include French geographer Paul Vidal de la Blache and his students, who argued that culture and human agency played a central role in shaping the...