Interpreting Archaeology

TRAMA

"Interpreting Archaeology" argues that archaeologists must understand their own subjective approaches to the material they study as well as recognize how past researchers imposed their value systems on the evidence they presented. This volume provides a forum for debate between the varied approaches to the past from leading archaeologists in Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia. The contributors address the philosophical issues involved in interpretation and the origins of meaning in the evolution and emergence of "mind" in early hominids. They discuss the ways in which material culture is understood and presented in museums, and how the nature of history is itself in flux.

NOTE EDITORE

There has been a profound shift in the direction of archaeological activity in the last fifteen years, a change reflected in this volume. While excavation remains a professional priority, the interpretation of archaeological evidence is now attracting increasing critical study. In part this is stemmed from the public demand for explanation of archaeological evidence, which moves beyond the more restricted academic debate among archaeologists. But it also follows from a desire among archaeologists to come to terms with their own subjective approaches to the material they study, and a recognition of how past researchers have also imposed their own value systems on the evidence which they presented. This volume provides a forum for debate between varied approaches to the past from leading archaeologists in Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia. It addresses the philosophical issues involved in interpretation, and the origins of meaning in the evolution and emergence of 'mind' in early hominids. It covers the ways in which material culture is understood and presented in museums, and how the nature of history is itself in flux.

SOMMARIO

1. Philosophical Issues of Interpretation 2. The origins of meaning 3. Interpretation, writing and presenting the past 4. Archaeology and history 5. Material culture Appendix: Further comment on Interpretive Archaeologies Glossary Bibliography Index

ALTRE INFORMAZIONI

• Condizione: Nuovo
• ISBN: 9780415157445
• Dimensioni: Ø 1.35 lb
• Formato: Brossura
• Illustration Notes: 1 table
• Pagine Arabe: 286