19th October 2006, 03:22 PM
And another thing.
If you are going to say that 'archaeology' (without qualifying the term) is essential, then you have to come up with a reason that covers the whole of the topic.
Dr Pete's answer is correct, so far as it goes. However, it is limited to the study of climate change - and what percentage of archaeological activity goes into that? What does, for instance, the typology of Anglo-Saxon sculpture, or the Defence of Britain Project, tell me about climate change? But, both of them are legitimate archaeological activities.
If you go down that route, you need to find a separate justification for why each different aspect of archaeological study is essential.
Now, I would say that the study of archaeology is essential because it is an integral part of our contemporary culture and civilisation to seek as deep an understanding of ourselves, including our own past, as we can achieve. If we started to identify parts of our culture as 'inessential' and got rid of them, we would devalue our culture and civilisation as a whole. And where would you stop? Is modern art essential? Is television essential?
This is fun. Burble burble burble
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
If you are going to say that 'archaeology' (without qualifying the term) is essential, then you have to come up with a reason that covers the whole of the topic.
Dr Pete's answer is correct, so far as it goes. However, it is limited to the study of climate change - and what percentage of archaeological activity goes into that? What does, for instance, the typology of Anglo-Saxon sculpture, or the Defence of Britain Project, tell me about climate change? But, both of them are legitimate archaeological activities.
If you go down that route, you need to find a separate justification for why each different aspect of archaeological study is essential.
Now, I would say that the study of archaeology is essential because it is an integral part of our contemporary culture and civilisation to seek as deep an understanding of ourselves, including our own past, as we can achieve. If we started to identify parts of our culture as 'inessential' and got rid of them, we would devalue our culture and civilisation as a whole. And where would you stop? Is modern art essential? Is television essential?
This is fun. Burble burble burble
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished