3rd March 2005, 12:45 AM
Thanks for all the comments. I guess most reflect why we are field not academic archaeologists. Theory is 'where you are coming from' according to one poncy lecturer. That's Anglesey then.
I'm not saying theory is a waste of time, I just couldn't understand what the hell is being said. Not just the invented words and paragraph long sentances, the whole thing from beginning to end. I would prefer to read about it all in the style of say John Steinbeck, or maybe Sid the Sexist, or even a job advert for community-liason officer for disadvantaged hedgehogs in Tower Hamlets. (it's getting late).
It's starting to come back to me now - I remember identifying most strongly with the 'young fogeys', 'til I realised it was a derogatory term for theory-heathens used by smart-ass theorists.
Can anyone give some easy definitions of post-processual (sp?) processual (if there is such a thing), marxist theory, and any other branches of thought. I recognise most of the names mentioned, but was probably too drunk to read any of them. Hasn't anyone new come along in say the last 10 years with a blow-them-all-away theory or paradigm? The young fogey with no name?
My contribution to 'Archaeological theory for diggers'
paradigm - an idea or set of ideas. I think. This is a great word to throw into a conversation casually.
concept - an idea or set of ideas. I think. Overused and devalued.
theory - an idea or set of ideas. I think. Available in different flavours.
This can't be right - ideas? I remember a quotation from somewhere (Von Daniken preface??) that said it didn't matter where a theory came from - it could be a dream you had. Starting to make sense now.
I'm interested in what anyone reckons each theory actually means, based on what's in your head, as well as some kind of definitive definitions if anyone can be arsed.
Any theorists feel free to contribute - but no more than 3 syllable words, keep it snappy, but don't dumb it down.
I'm not saying theory is a waste of time, I just couldn't understand what the hell is being said. Not just the invented words and paragraph long sentances, the whole thing from beginning to end. I would prefer to read about it all in the style of say John Steinbeck, or maybe Sid the Sexist, or even a job advert for community-liason officer for disadvantaged hedgehogs in Tower Hamlets. (it's getting late).
It's starting to come back to me now - I remember identifying most strongly with the 'young fogeys', 'til I realised it was a derogatory term for theory-heathens used by smart-ass theorists.
Can anyone give some easy definitions of post-processual (sp?) processual (if there is such a thing), marxist theory, and any other branches of thought. I recognise most of the names mentioned, but was probably too drunk to read any of them. Hasn't anyone new come along in say the last 10 years with a blow-them-all-away theory or paradigm? The young fogey with no name?
My contribution to 'Archaeological theory for diggers'
paradigm - an idea or set of ideas. I think. This is a great word to throw into a conversation casually.
concept - an idea or set of ideas. I think. Overused and devalued.
theory - an idea or set of ideas. I think. Available in different flavours.
This can't be right - ideas? I remember a quotation from somewhere (Von Daniken preface??) that said it didn't matter where a theory came from - it could be a dream you had. Starting to make sense now.
I'm interested in what anyone reckons each theory actually means, based on what's in your head, as well as some kind of definitive definitions if anyone can be arsed.
Any theorists feel free to contribute - but no more than 3 syllable words, keep it snappy, but don't dumb it down.