Archaeological Theory and Scientific Practice

This 2001 book considers the divide between 'scientific' and 'theoretical' archaeology, and suggests that they are not necessarily conflicting.

Andrew Jones (Author)

9780521793933, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 6 December 2001

224 pages, 13 b/w illus. 12 maps 5 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.2 cm, 0.362 kg

' … this book persuasively achieves its aims and certainly deserves a wide audience.' Archaeological Journal

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Archaeological theory [HDA], Archaeology [HD]