Question

Differentiate between:

Possibilism and Determinism.

Answer 1

Possibilism	Determinism
(i) When man dominates nature, it is called possibilism.	(i) When nature dominates man, it is called determinism.
(ii) Due to intelligence, man makes changes in the natural environment.	(ii) Determinism asserts that the development of human history, culture, society, lifestyle, etc., are shaped by their physical environment.
(iii) There are limitations to changes made by man in nature.	(iii) There are no limitations on the impact of the physical environment on human activities.

Answer 2

Sr. No.	Possibilism	Determinism
1.	Some geographers are of the view that man dominates the nature. This is called believing in possibilism.	Some geographers are of the view that nature is more dominant than man. This is called environmental determinism.
2.	According to possibilism, people can adapt to their environmental conditions, despite the limitations they might pose and if a society has better technology, the people are better able to adapt and develop their culture.	According to determinism, the natural and physical environment shapes and creates cultures, it means environment essentially dictates culture.