On the Ontology of Archaeology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1558/jca.v2i2.28313Keywords:
archaeology, archaeologist, ontology, communities of practice, sociology of archaeologyAbstract
Being an archaeologist requires social legitimization and acceptance within a community of archaeological practice. The term “archaeologist” is unsettled at an abstract level but is well defined in local contexts. A sociological definition is offered for "archaeologist" that is based upon a philosophical understanding of "archaeology." Archaeology has qualities that make it special and only those willing to advance through accepted legitimating processes achieve the title "archaeologist." Thus, not everyone should be an archaeologist.
References
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Lave, J. and E. Wenger. 1991. Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511815355
Varenne, H. 1977. Americans Together: Structured Diversity in a Midwestern Town. New York: Teachers College Press.
Wenger, E. 1998. Communities of Practice: Learning, Meaning, and Identity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511803932
Lave, J. and E. Wenger. 1991. Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511815355
Varenne, H. 1977. Americans Together: Structured Diversity in a Midwestern Town. New York: Teachers College Press.
Wenger, E. 1998. Communities of Practice: Learning, Meaning, and Identity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511803932
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2016-01-12
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How to Cite
Moore, L. E. (2016). On the Ontology of Archaeology. Journal of Contemporary Archaeology, 2(2), 225-229. https://doi.org/10.1558/jca.v2i2.28313
