CHAPTER ONE - Introduction

Abstract

This chapter discusses archaeological theory. Many archaeologists are concerned over the impoverished and confused state of archaeological theory. A theory of archaeology that would provide a coherent set of reasonably high-level generalizations relating material culture, and human behavior is considered an important desideratum by all those who wish to see archaeology firmly established as a scientific discipline. There is some disagreement concerning the slow emergence of such a theory. One widespread belief is that much more work needs to be done at low level and midrange level before any plausible general theory can be advanced. The idea is that a high-level theory can develop naturally after certain groundwork has been laid. Others insist that the theory, although unstated, is already present, and that this implicit theory guides and informs the lower level work. Some writers believe that confusion in terminology is the chief deterrent to making this implicit theory explicit and has tried to remedy that situation. Other writers feel that the best way for archaeology to acquire a theory is to hook in with General Systems Theory. Because archaeology deals with systems of various sorts, and as a General Systems Theory claims to have a set of general principles applicable to any system, such a move appears attractive to many.