Correct Option
The correct option is Ratzel.
Explanation
Human Geography is the branch of geography dealing with how human activity affects or is influenced by the earth's surface. Various scholars have provided distinct definitions reflecting their theoretical stances, such as Environmental Determinism or Possibilism.
Option Analysis
- Ratzel Ratzel (Correct): Friedrich Ratzel, a German geographer often regarded as the father of modern Human Geography, defined the subject in his work Anthropogeographie. He described Human Geography as "the synthetic study of relationship between human societies and earth’s surface." His definition emphasizes the synthesis of the physical and human elements.
- Vidal de la Blache Vidal de la Blache (Incorrect): A French geographer and proponent of Possibilism, Vidal de la Blache defined Human Geography as offering "a new conception of the interrelationships between earth and man," which leads to a more synthetic knowledge of the laws governing the earth and the relations between living beings and their environment.
- Semple Semple (Incorrect): Ellen C. Semple, a prominent American geographer and supporter of Environmental Determinism, defined Human Geography as "the study of the changing relationship between the unresting man and the unstable earth." Her definition focuses on the dynamic nature of this relationship.
- Griffith Taylor Griffith Taylor (Incorrect): Griffith Taylor introduced the concept of Neo-determinism or "Stop and Go Determinism." He viewed the environment as a traffic controller that regulates the rate of development but does not determine the direction of human progress.
Key Takeaway: Friedrich Ratzel is the scholar who defined Human Geography as the "synthetic study of the relationship between human societies and the earth’s surface."