Evolutionary and Interpretive Archaeologies

Introduction

This collection of original articles compares various key archaeological topics—agency, violence, social groups, diffusion— from evolutionary and interpretive perspectives.

Theoretical Perspectives

These two strands represent the major current theoretical poles in the discipline. By comparing and contrasting the insights they provide into major archaeological themes, this volume demonstrates the importance of theoretical frameworks in archaeological interpretations.

Methodology

Chapter authors discuss relevant Darwinian or interpretive theory with short archaeological and anthropological case studies to illustrate the substantive conclusions produced.

Goals

The book will advance debate and contribute to a better understanding of the goals and research strategies that comprise these distinct research traditions.