Possibilism

Possibilism is a geographical theory suggesting that while the environment offers certain limitations and opportunities, human decisions and culture play a crucial role in shaping how societies develop. Unlike environmental determinism, which attributes human actions mainly to environmental factors, possibilism recognizes human agency and ingenuity in overcoming or adapting to environmental constraints. It emphasizes that people have the potential to choose from various options, modifying their environment or their behavior to suit their needs, ultimately demonstrating that culture and technology can influence and expand the possibilities within a given landscape.