Archaeological Theory and Scientific Practice
Archaeological Theory and Scientific Practice
Contemporary archaeology is polarized between the technically competent excavators, who have sophisticated ways of recording, analyzing, classifying and describing their sites, and the social theorists, influenced by sceptical sociologies in science and cultural studies. This book defines the contours of each faction and argues that conflict between their aims and procedures is unnecessary. Andrew Jones instead emphasizes the process of interpretations, which is, in his view, the real concern of archaeologists.
- The first book directly to address science and theory in archaeology
- Tackles issues which need to be addressed by all archaeologists - academics, scientists, theorists, field archaeologists
- Comprises both general discussion and a detailed case study which illustrates the major theoretical points of the book
Reviews & endorsements
' … this book persuasively achieves its aims and certainly deserves a wide audience.' Archaeological Journal
Product details
December 2001Paperback
9780521793933
224 pages
229 × 152 × 12 mm
0.362kg
13 b/w illus. 12 maps 5 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. The archaeology of 'two cultures'
- 2. Science as culture: creating interpretative networks
- 3. Archaeology observed
- 4. Materials, science and material culture: practice and narrative
- 5. Material culture and materials science: a biography of things
- 6. A biography of ceramics in Neolithic Orkney
- 7. Making people and things in the Neolithic: pots, food and history
- 8. Before and after science.
