27th January 2012, 01:19 PM
I think one of the dangers in defining archaeology s too precise terms may hinder new approaches to archaeology and/or a widening of the discipline. Just in my 30 years in archaeology I have seen Post-Medieval and Industrial archaeology go from hobbyist backwater to mainstream archaeology, phenomenology and landscape archaeology accepted as legitimate approaches to the subject, various scientific techniques move from 'Tomorrows World' to everyday tools and at that same time other approaches attempted and abandoned. I think we should go for the broad church and 'don't scare the horses' approach and let most people follow their inclinations. Doesn't do us any harm to be inclusive after all......most people think we are loopy anyway!!
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...