Sven Nilsson and the Invention of Modern Man

Johan Hegardt

doi:10.37718/csa.1996.04

Abstract

During the early 18th century archaeology was both materialistic and idealistic. Since the end of the century idealism has been excluded. Processual archaeology was, for example, highly materialistic. In this article an idealistic principle is reintroduced, though in a different form. Idealism is instead understood as an ethic.

Highlights

During the early 18th century archaeology was both materialistic and idealistic
I will to a certain extent relate this discussion to processual archaeology and post-processual archaeology
The modem conception of Science, the science of Sven Nilsson and his later followers builds on the metaphysics of the presence, in which l ife and death are excluded by a curtain of truth and reason. It is the principle of defining the presence, a timeless definition of "We" —we the scientists, we the gods of truth —that leads to the narcissism and arrogance of modern thought which is expressed in the materialistic thinking of processual archaeology and which was sanctioned by early 19th century idealism

Summary

Introduction

During the early 18th century archaeology was both materialistic and idealistic. Since the end of the century idealism has been excluded. By the 19th century chronology expressed instead more or less explicitly the historical conditions of mankind and objects (Foucault 1991:276).This was only possible if life and history were a part of a plan, the spirit of God. In Nilsson's opinion, the course of nature could be connected with the evolution of human culture.

Results

Conclusion