Science and Inquiry discussion

I have read some books about archaeology that I like and would like to add to our "list."

Would you consider archaeology a science?

I don't know that I am qualified to answer Susanna's inquiry, but I certainly consider archaeology a science, not as exact as chemistry perhaps, but well within most definitions of scientific pursuit.

Besides, I'd like to see her recommendations.

It would count as a science for me. Not the Schliemann cut-scrimmage-and-plunder style, not the Elgin style, but the modern sensitive and thoughtful style. In any case, it uses a great deal of science, from thermoluminescence to carbon dating to palynology and more. Like all branches if interpretative science where evidence is rare or sui generis (think human paleo-anthropology), archeology is full of vituperation and polemic, but they have a place in science.

Here is a link to something germane that I prepared earlier (some years earlier, if you require chemical precision):
http://www.abc.net.au/science/slab/ma...

Archeology makes use of aspects of science, but I don't think it is itself a science. I think of archeologists as historians with toolboxes.

I have a B.A. in archaeology, and while I know some programs required phyics and geology classes, my program (and most others) were much stronger in the cultural studies and social sciences rather than hard sciences.

Although it's not a purely scientific subject I would still consider it a science as it does use a lot of scientific methods when done properly. It appears to me quite similar to ecology as it uses scientifically proven facts to interprete actual situations and arrive at specific theories. I think it may depend on the approach taken by the individual too.

Susanna wrote: "I have read some books about archaeology that I like and would like to add to our "list."

Would you consider archaeology a science?"

I would consider it a science. I keep my link to archeology magazine in my science folder in my web browse favorites file.

Of course its a science! If ot wasnt for archaeology we wouldnt have the knowledge we have of the Pyramids or of the Stone age people etc. Also palaeontology is a branch of archaeology, and where would we be without that!