Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
possibilism
noun
/pəˈsɪb.ə.lɪ.zəm/
Definition
A theory in human geography that suggests that the environment offers a range of possibilities from which humans can choose to make decisions about how to live. It emphasizes that while the physical environment may limit certain actions, humans have the agency to choose among various options based on their culture, technology, and desires.
Examples
- Possibilism allows communities to adapt to their surroundings creatively.
- According to possibilism, while certain natural constraints exist, they do not completely determine human actions.
Meaning
Possibilism highlights the role of human decision-making in shaping the environment and living conditions, contrasting with determinism, which asserts that the environment strictly dictates human actions and societal development.
Synonyms
- Human agency
- Adaptation
- Cultural flexibility
