The Ethics of Archaeology
Philosophical Perspectives on Archaeological Practice

In this collection, first published in 2006, archaeologists, anthropologists and philosophers explore the key ethical questions facing archaeologists today.

Chris Scarre (Edited by), Geoffrey Scarre (Edited by)

9780521549424, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 19 January 2006

332 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm, 0.52 kg

'… carefully planned and assembled … and rewarding …' Cambridge Archaeological Journal

The question of ethics and their role in archaeology has stimulated one of the discipline's liveliest debates. In this collection of essays, first published in 2006, an international team of archaeologists, anthropologists and philosophers explore the ethical issues archaeology needs to address. Marrying the skills and expertise of practitioners from different disciplines, the collection produces interesting insights into many of the ethical dilemmas facing archaeology today. Topics discussed include relations with indigenous peoples; the professional standards and responsibilities of researchers; the role of ethical codes; the notion of value in archaeology; concepts of stewardship and custodianship; the meaning and moral implications of 'heritage'; the question of who 'owns' the past or the interpretation of it; the trade in antiquities; the repatriation of skeletal material; and treatment of the dead. This important collection is essential reading for all those working in the field of archaeology, be they scholar or practitioner.

List of contributors
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction Chris Scarre and Geoffrey Scarre
Part I. The Ownership of Cultural Objects: 2. Cultures and the ownership of archaeological finds James O. Young
3. Who guards the guardians? Oliver Leaman
4. Is culture a commodity? Robert Layton and Gillian Wallace
5. Moral arguments on subsistence digging Julie Hollowell
Part II. Archaeologists and the Living: 6. Human subjects review and archaeology: a view from Indian country Jeffrey C. Bendremer and Kenneth A. Richman
7. Trust and archaeological practice: towards a framework of virtue ethics Chip Colwell-Chanthaphonh and T. J. Ferguson
8. Truthfulness and 'inclusion' in archaeology David E. Cooper
9. Ethics and native American reburials: a philosopher's view of two decades of NAGPRA Douglas P. Lackey
10. Stewardship gone astray? Ethics and the SAA Leo Groarke and Gary Warrick
Part III. Archaeologists and the Dead: 11. Can archaeology harm the dead? Geoffrey Scarre
12. Archaeological ethics and the people of the past Sarah Tarlow
Part IV. The Common Heritage of Humankind?: 13. A plea for responsibility towards the common heritage of mankind Sandra M. Dingli
14. The ethics of the World Heritage concept Atle Omland
15. What value a unicorn's horn? A study of archaeological uniqueness and value Robin Coningham, Rachel Cooper and Mark Pollard
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Anthropology [JHM], Philosophy [HP], Archaeology [HD]