wyly Posted October 22, 2011 Report Posted October 22, 2011 The focus on Dewar's book isn't Kennewick man though, that is a sort of back drop device for a critical review of the American archaeology establishment. Investigative journalism, not peer review. fair enough, I admit I haven't read the book so the review is all can go at this time...However, even the best archaeologists make a lot of assumptions on insufficient evidence, one of the points in Dewar's book. We can't blame them too much though, because everyone likes a story.hmm ok but an archeologist does have much more to back their opinion than a journalist...it's not good procedure for an archeologist to do it either... Quote “Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.”- John Stuart Mill
Shwa Posted October 22, 2011 Report Posted October 22, 2011 fair enough, I admit I haven't read the book so the review is all can go at this time... hmm ok but an archeologist does have much more to back their opinion than a journalist...it's not good procedure for an archeologist to do it either... Yes for sure, but as you say, it is all opinion and it is almost a necessary thing to do. Otherwise, why bother with archaeology in the first place? That is, what public utility comes from it other than stories and narratives? Quote
wyly Posted October 22, 2011 Report Posted October 22, 2011 Yes for sure, but as you say, it is all opinion and it is almost a necessary thing to do. Otherwise, why bother with archaeology in the first place? That is, what public utility comes from it other than stories and narratives? there are social and political consequences for getting it wrong...a lot of political strife today is the result past historical events that have been forgotten or misinterpreted and those myths are accepted by the general public tand passed on to their politicians...accurate history is important, accurate archeology is important in shaping public opinion and government policies... Quote “Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.”- John Stuart Mill
Shwa Posted October 23, 2011 Report Posted October 23, 2011 there are social and political consequences for getting it wrong...a lot of political strife today is the result past historical events that have been forgotten or misinterpreted and those myths are accepted by the general public tand passed on to their politicians...accurate history is important, accurate archeology is important in shaping public opinion and government policies... I agree there is a utility for archaeology, but as public utility, it can only come in the form of some sort of explanatory story or narrative and, as such, it is as fraught with the same problems as any literary form. There is a big difference between archaeological data and archaeological knowledge, with the former constantly modifying the latter. Quote
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