Archaeological Theory and Scientific Practice
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Published:6th Dec '01
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£32.99(9780521793933)
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This 2001 book considers the divide between 'scientific' and 'theoretical' archaeology, and suggests that they are not necessarily conflicting.
Contemporary archaeology is polarised between 'scientists' who analyse, classify and describe, and social theorists, influenced by sociologies of science and culture theory. By emphasising the process of interpretation, this 2001 book shows that there is no necessary conflict between the aims and procedures of the various factions.Is archaeology an art or a science? This question has been hotly debated over the last few decades with the rise of archaeological science. At the same time, archaeologists have seen a change in the intellectual character of their discipline, as many writers have adopted approaches influenced by social theory. The discipline now encompasses both archaeological scientists and archaeological theorists, and discussion regarding the status of archaeology remains polarised. In this 2001 book, Andrew Jones argues that we need to analyse the practice of archaeology. Through an analysis of archaeological practice, influenced by recent developments in the field of science studies, and with the aid of extensive case studies, he develops a new framework which allows the interpretative and methodological components of the discipline to work in tandem. His reassessment of the status and character of archaeology will be of interest to students, scholars and professionals.
' … this book persuasively achieves its aims and certainly deserves a wide audience.' Archaeological Journal
ISBN: 9780521790604
Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 14mm
Weight: 470g
224 pages