Essential Tensions in Archaeological Method & Theory (Foundations of Archaeological Inquiry) - Hardcover
Synopsis
Archaeological theory, some say, seems to have fragmented into a thousand fundamentalisms. By working on a broader set of empirical issues than ever before, archaeologists are indeed applying and refining a variety of perspectives. Yet the editors of this volume make a case that it is appropriate for archaeologists to use a logical variety of theoretical structures to answer different kinds of questions, combining approaches as necessary.
In that spirit of plurality, contributors to this volume identify an important theoretical or methodological problem and present an argument regarding its solution. They also provide a critical evaluation of the current state of archaeological method and theory, illustrating that such recurrent issues as the role of agency and the importance of social considerations in the formation of archaeological research dominate current theoretical development.
By presenting both the range of important questions and a variety of answers, this volume contributes to the 'essential tension' that will further the growth of archaeological theory.
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Review
"These papers demonstrate both the benefits that can result from a pluralistic approach and the great difficulties involved in implementing it. They also anticipate what will probably be the next great debate among archaeologists: is pluralism an end in itself or will materialist/idealist dichotomies be replaced by an integrated social science megatheory? A thought-provoking read!" "These papers demonstrate both the benefits that can result from a pluralistic approach and the great difficulties involved in implementing it. They also anticipate what will probably be the next great debate among archaeologists: is pluralism an end in itself or will materialist/idealist dichotomies be replaced by an integrated social science megatheory? A thought-provoking read!" Bruce Trigger, McGill University"
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Essential Tensions in Archaeological Method and Theory (Foundations of Archaeological Inquiry)
Published by
University of Utah Press, 2003
ISBN 10: 0874807638
ISBN 13: 9780874807639
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Chaparral Books, Portland, OR, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: No dustjacket as issued. Minor shelf wear to binding. Faint soiling to cloth. Text is unmarked. 8vo. 197pp. Seller Inventory # CHAPvanET