7th April 2011, 04:29 PM
It's a question of context (no pun intended). In the invisible man's example, if the question asked was 'what sports do you play', the answer 'I'm a footballer' would be reasonable. If the question was 'What do you do for a living', this answer would be less applicable (based on his own description of his talents!). On that basis, I'd happily agree with the definition of an archaeologist being anyone who studies or practises archaeology with the same caveats. Many labels may apply to an individual - I'd consider that an enthusiastic member of a local society is entitled to say 'I'm an archaeologist', as that's their hobby and interest, while someone working for a commercial contractor can answer 'Yes' to the question 'Are you an archaeologist?' as that's their job. The society member may also be a lawyer or something in their professional life, while the archaeological contractor may be a champion ballroom dancer in his or her spare time. I don't think it's a black and white definition. That doesn't necessarily mean that the local society member could undertake a complex excavation on a commercial development site (though it's entirely possible that they'd have the experience and knowledge), but I don't see any need to say that you're only allowed to call yourself an archaeologist if that's your profession.
And of course, as we all know, Unit of 1 is the only 'real' archaeologist on here anyway!:face-approve:
And of course, as we all know, Unit of 1 is the only 'real' archaeologist on here anyway!:face-approve:
You know Marcus. He once got lost in his own museum