Question

Neodeterminism is also known as:

• A. Naturalisation of Humans
• B. Humanisation of Nature
• C. Stop and go determinism
• D. Possibilism

Hint:

Key philosophical associations:
Environmental Determinism $\rightarrow$ Friedrich Ratzel, Ellen Churchill Semple.
Possibilism $\rightarrow$ Paul Vidal de la Blache, Lucien Febvre.
Neo-determinism Stop and Go Determinism $\rightarrow$ Griffith Taylor.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
In human geography, the philosophical relationship between nature and human society has evolved across various paradigms.
Environmental Determinism (naturalisation of humans) argued that nature strictly dictates human action.
Possibilism (humanisation of nature) contended that nature provides opportunities and humans act as masters of choice.
To reconcile these two extreme dialectical viewpoints, a conceptual middle path was introduced.

Step 1: Introduction of Neo-Determinism:
The concept of Neo-determinism was introduced by Australian geographer Griffith Taylor.
Taylor referred to this concept as "Stop and Go Determinism".
He used the metaphor of a city traffic controller who can accelerate, slow down, or stop the flow of traffic, but cannot alter its ultimate direction.
Similarly, humans can accelerate or redirect socioeconomic development only within limits set by physical nature; they cannot conquer nature recklessly without triggering severe ecological crises.

Step 2: Evaluation of Other Concepts:
Naturalisation of humans describes Environmental Determinism where primitive humans live in absolute harmony with and subjugation to nature.
Humanisation of nature reflects Possibilism where technological development allows humans to modify nature.
Final Answer:
Consequently, Neodeterminism is also known as Stop and go determinism.