All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Assertion (a): Possibilism is a theory in Geography that argues human beings can overcome environmental constraints through ingenuity and technology.
Reason (r): Vidal - de - la - Blache is credited with developing the concept of Possibilism.

The correct answer is
Both (a) & (r) are true and (r) is the correct explanation of (a)

Assertion: Understanding Possibilism Theory

The Assertion (a) states that Possibilism is a theory within Geography. This theory proposes that the physical environment does not completely dictate human actions or possibilities. Instead, it suggests that human beings possess the capacity, through their ingenuity and technology, to overcome or adapt to environmental limitations and challenges. It emphasizes human agency and the wide range of choices available to societies depending on their cultural development and technological advancements.

Reason: Vidal de la Blache's Contribution

The Reason (r) identifies Paul Vidal de la Blache, a prominent French geographer, as the key figure credited with developing the concept of Possibilism. Vidal de la Blache argued against strict environmental determinism, highlighting how different human groups, living in similar environments, could develop distinct ways of life based on their history, culture, and available techniques. He focused on the interaction between humans and their environment, suggesting the environment offered possibilities rather than dictating outcomes.

Analysis of Assertion and Reason

Statement Analysis:

  • Assertion (a) is True: The description of Possibilism as a theory where humans overcome environmental constraints using ingenuity and technology accurately reflects the core tenets of the concept.
  • Reason (r) is True: Vidal de la Blache is widely recognized as the originator and chief proponent of the Possibilism school of thought in geography. His work significantly shaped the discipline's understanding of the human-environment relationship.
  • Relationship between (a) and (r): Vidal de la Blache's theoretical framework, which emphasized human choice and adaptation in response to environmental possibilities, directly supports and explains the assertion that Possibilism is about humans overcoming environmental constraints. Therefore, the reason (r) provides a correct explanation for the assertion (a).

In essence, Vidal de la Blache's work laid the groundwork for the idea articulated in the assertion, making his contribution a direct explanation for the theory itself.

Was this answer helpful?

Important Questions from Assertion and Reasons (Notes)

  1. Given below are two arguments.
    (I): A valid deductive argument that also has all true premises is called a sound argument
    (II): A strong inductive argument that has all true premises is called a cogent argument
    In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below
  2. Assertion(a): Rift valley represents a trough, depression or basin between two crustal parts.
    Reason(r):Rift valley is a major relief feature resulting from faulting activities.
  3. Assertion(A): The term suburban is used on a large scale and the residential areas lying within the rural-urban fringe are recognised as suburbans.
    Reason(R): The people living in the urban clusters call themselves suburban dwellers.
  4. Assertion and Reasoning Type
    Assertion(A): After the II world war, lot of industries in Japan were developed in the coastal region.
    Reasoning(R): The recovery of the industrialization after world war II in Japan was without a domestic raw material and export market in mind.
  5. Assertion (A): Connectivity index expresses the number of links in a network as a ratio of the maximum number of links possible.
    Reason (R): Higher values of the index indicate low level of connectivity and vice versa.
Need Expert Advice?

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App