Ethical Aspects of Archaeology Essay (Critical Writing)

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Updated: Mar 9th, 2024

Introduction

The principles conduct of the broad area of archeology brings a clear discussion and gives a critique in each case providing a firm foundation basis for understanding of the relevant concepts.

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The first principle talks about Stewardship and states that the archaeological records are irreplaceable. The archeological records in websites, collections and any tangible material will be unreleased to any form, and that all archaeologists will strive for the long-standing conservation and security of the archaeological documentation by practicing and encouraging stewardship of these archaeological records (Canadian Archaeological Association, 2008).

The caretakers of the archaeological records should harness their profession for the gain of all populace; this in practice occurs when they investigate and construe the records. They should actually use the expertise knowledge that they gain to endorse public understanding and defending its long-term protection, this implies that archeologists alone should handle the archeological resources. This limits the ordinary public’s interaction and thus restricts free-flow of information, which further discourages the development of knowledge, transfer of skills and attitudes to the public.

The second aspect in the ethical concerns of archeological work is accountability. Accountability entails requirement of every archeologist’s effort and commitment in good faith, to check actively with involved group(s), with the goal of finding an effective relationship, which is likely to be beneficial to all parties concerned. This principle is in line with the professional ethics, which require that involvements of the researcher’s. This should be a responsive activity in which responsibility play a major role and the former should be questionable for their actions.

The other ethical aspect of this research area is that dealing with the application of commercial principles in archeological involvements or dealings with resources in other words referred to as commercialization. This action entails a destructive factor to the archaeological record allover the world (Society for American Archaeology, 2008). The trading in archaeological objects, which entails their purchase and sale – results in the devastation of archaeological location and of contextual information are essential to comprehension, the archaeological record.

They should therefore cautiously consider the benefits of the erudition of a project against the costs of enhancing the commercial worth of archaeological items. By the incorporation of a solution to their entailment, all the performances that contribute substantial to the commercialization of the archeological concept ought to account for the total involvement in archeology (Society for American Archaeology, 2008). This ethical concern is very relevant because it entails the misuse and specifically of important things that preserve a people’s way of life for instance, the regalia, costumes and many such material.

The fourth ethical concern is about reaching the public in order to educate them and also partake in cooperative effforts with others who are attracted to the archaeological records with the aim of improving ,safeguarding and interpretation of the record. In particular, archaeologists should undertake t the following; first, to enroll public aid for the stewardship of the archaeological record, second, to explain and promote the use of archaeological techniques to grasp what human behavior and culture is; and lastly, to converse archaeological elucidation of the past. Archaeologists who are incapable of undertaking public edification and outreach are encouraged to support the industry of their counterparts in these activities.

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The sixth ethical concern involves intellectual property of the enclosed particulars and counsel created by archaeological resources, which still are part of the archaeological record. As such, it ought to follow in concurrence with the values of stewardship rather than as a matter of individual ownership. In general, without restrictive reasons, an investigator may possess ultimate access to any vital written media and in this case, this may be left out open to the public. The relevance of this principles I that, if strictly adhered to and implemented well, can prevent massive loss of and insecurity of knowledge.

  1. The next ethical issue in this order is that involving the Reporting and Publication of the archeological resources in public (Society for American Archaeology, 2008). This principle requires that the knowledge that archaeologists have gained from explorations of the archaeological credentials have to occur in reachable form to as wide a range of interested publics as practicable. The documents and materials on which publication and other forms of public reporting originates provides a suitable place for a stable charge. An interest in preserving and protecting naturally occurring archaeological sites ensues and represents a clear focus when distributing information about their nature and setting.
  2. In order to achieve the concept of the preservation, the Archaeologists ought to participate actively in ensuring that all the relevant access of the information is kept at bay. To foster this, archeologist ought to give an encouragement to most people in the assemblage, records and reports in their research as one means of preserving the naturally got archaeological record, and of increasing the care and attention given to that portion of the archaeological record, which has been detached and built-into archaeological collections, records, and reports. The preservation of this hard-earned knowledge helps in conservation of essentials hence is just as good as the profession itself.

Lastly, the principle that entail the mode of training and acquisition of resources, given the disparaging nature of most archaeological investigations, archaeologists must always make sure that they have enough of guidance, fluency, conveniences, and other support necessary to conduct any plan of research they initiate in a manner consistent with the foregoing principles and contemporary standards of professional performance

This essay has attempted to explain the basic principles that govern how the archeologists should act, what they should not do and what professional virtues should they have. It also gives the critique of the writer concerning the topic.

Work cited

Canadian Archaeological Association Principles for Ethical Conduct Pertaining to Aboriginal Peoples and Principles of Ethical Conduct. Web.

Society for American Archaeology Code of Ethics. Web.

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IvyPanda. 2024. "Ethical Aspects of Archaeology." March 9, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/ethical-aspects-of-archaeology/.

1. IvyPanda. "Ethical Aspects of Archaeology." March 9, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/ethical-aspects-of-archaeology/.


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IvyPanda. "Ethical Aspects of Archaeology." March 9, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/ethical-aspects-of-archaeology/.

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