Theme Three: RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN PLACES

(Human - Environment Interaction)

It is possible to conceptualize the relationship between the physical environment and humans in at least three ways.

Environment Dominant:

Environmental Determinism is a discredited philosophy which taught that the environment, e.g., climate, elevation, topography, etc. determined the course of human development. This included intellect, creativity, behavior, and other traits. It was a handy rationale (excuse) for various racist acts, including slavery.

The influence of so-called Frigid, Torrid, and Temperate Zones of the Earth.

Culture Dominant:

Cultural Determinism teaches that humans, not the environment, are dominant in their interaction. Human activities change or modify the surrounding environment, both intentionally and unintentionally. Economic Determinism is another term for this point of view.

Technology and the level of development are directly related to how much the environment is altered.

Environment and Culture “Co-Equal”:

This view teaches that while humans inevitably alter their environmental surroundings, they also adapt to that environment. Growing concern about changes in the environment gave rise to the Environmental Movement and creation of agencies such as the EPA.

The term Possibilism has been coined for this view. It implies that every environment offers different possibilities for use and development depending upon a group’s experience and level of technology.