The concept that neither is there a situation of absolute necessity nor is there a condition of absolute freedom, is known as
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Neo-Determinism
Griffith Taylor’s neo-determinism is a middle path between environmental determinism and possibilism. People can conquer nature by obeying it: they stop at nature’s red signals and go ahead when nature permits.
Option (1) Probabilism — Incorrect. It is not one of the three ideas on how people and nature are related: environmental determinism, possibilism and neo-determinism.
Option (2) Determinism — Incorrect. Environmental determinism is the situation of absolute necessity. People with very low technology adapt to the dictates of nature.
Option (3) Neo-Determinism — Correct. It rejects both extremes. Possibilities can be created within limits that do not damage the environment.
Option (4) Possibilism — Incorrect. Possibilism is the condition of absolute freedom. With better technology, people create possibilities with the resources of nature.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 18-06-2023 (Slot 3).
NCERT (2026-27): “A geographer, Griffith Taylor introduced another concept which reflects a middle path (Madhyam Marg) between the two ideas of environmental determinism and possibilism. He termed it as Neodeterminism or stop and go determinism. … The concept shows that neither is there a situation of absolute necessity (environmental determinism) nor is there a condition of absolute freedom (possibilism).” |