Archaeology and Modernity

• Main Author: Thomas, Julian
• Format: eBook
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Routledge 2004; Taylor and Francis; Taylor & Francis Group
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: Archaeological Science & Methodology; Archaeology; Archaeology - Philosophy; Good Life; Free Agent; Mankind; Unstable; Strong; Cuvier; Raw Materiality; Physical Extension; Cognitive Evolution; Middle Range Theory; Follow; Binford 1983b; Confer; Heidegger 1971b; Processual Archaeology; Drawbacks; Live; Culture Historic Archaeology; Disengaged; Archaeological Site; Judgement; Held; Destiny; Human Beings; Material World
• ISBN: 0415271576; 9780415271561; 9780415271578; 0415271568
• DOI: 10.4324/9780203491119

This is the first book-length study to explore the relationship between archaeology and modern thought, showing how philosophical ideas that developed in the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries still dominate our approach to the material remains of ancient societies. Addressing current debates from a new viewpoint, Archaeology and Modernity discusses the modern emphasis on method rather than ethics or meaning, our understanding of change in history and nature, the role of the nation-state in forming our views of the past, and contemporary notions of human individuality, the mind, and materiality. 'A work that will undoubtedly become a modern masterpiece... Archaeology and Modernity is one of the most powerful archaeology books I know. It promises to be of widespread interest in itself; alongside other texts, in particular indigenous critiques and constructs, it will, I suspect, allow archaoelogical practice to enter new historical dimensions. I can enthusiastically recommend it to student and professional alike.' - European Journal of Archaeology