WWCRD?

Well?

Archaeological "Science"

I've just finished my second year of studying archaeology at the University of Glasgow and have been quite amused by the conflict between those that see archaeology purely as a science and those who see it as an entirely subjective enterprise, more so even than the other 'soft' sciences. A conflict that can be seen illustrated with considerable venom on Geoff Carter's blog. The root of this conflict is the perception of some that archaeology, or any other discipline, is only one or the other. A 'hard' empirical practice on the one hand or a 'soft' discipline subject to the whims of human subjectivity on the other.

'Difficult Choices'

With the latest onslaught by the government on our society we are repeatedly told that, with regards cuts, there are difficult choices needed to be made with regards where these cuts are going to be made. These 'difficult choices' are usually framed something like this.

Which of these do you value most?

1-The community archaeologists

2-The crossing guards outside the local school

3-Street lighting on dangerous streets

Well, to be honest I want all of them. How about we frame the question slightly differently?

Which of these do you value most?

1-The community archaeologists

2-Billions spent on nuclear weaponry that we must never use

3-Corporate tax avoidance robbing us of billions that could be spent on services

Looked at like that the answer is easy. We are basically being offered something of a Sophie's choice. We are given a limited set of choices, all of which are a direct attack on our societies, our culture, our heritage, the things that make us who we are and which improve our quality of life.

Phill Harding on Archaeology and it's Importance

Phill Harding on archaeology and why it is so important after receiving his honorary doctorate at Southampton University in 2008.

 

Phill Harding is an especially colourful character and, along with Mick Aston, Tony Robinson and the rest of the Time Team crew, have done a wonderful job of keeping archaeology in the public consciousness and reminding us all why it is so important.

Love Archaeology at The University of Glasgow

If, like me, you feel that the merger of Archaeology into History at the University of Glasgow is ridiculous then trot on over to Facebook and "like" the Facebook page.

Clicky Click

Digging not Cutting

Glasgow Archaeology on the Beeb