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Despite its evident value for science and humanity, in general, archaeological research remains the subject of public criticism. More specifically, the controversy around the resources, namely federal expenditures, allocated to archaeological studies and excavations have caused heated debates. The critics claim that funds, which are currently used for such research could be redirected to higher purposes. This idea comprises better funding for life-saving initiatives and policies aiming at improving the quality of life at the expense of archaeology. Evidently, such an approach views the field as a part of “non-essential” sciences, which are inferior to more noble goals. However, these opinions appear to disregard the immense cultural and social importance of archaeology. This discipline explores the history of humanity, providing insight into the profound process which determined its development across ages.
From one perspective, archaeological expenditures from federal funds are actively criticized by a considerable portion of American society. In her Internet blog, the professor of archeology Rosemary Jones (2013), refers to an opinion piece that specifically attacks the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) decision to support research on Mayan architecture. The opponents of such studies claim that these resources could have saved numerous lives had they been allocated to higher purposes. In addition, the government of the United States is urged to increase the funding of policies that promote a higher standard of living in the country. In this context, archaeological research is said to hemorrhage the taxpayers’ money.
In spite of the heated criticism, the importance of archaeology in today’s society is not to be underestimated. Jones (2013) refutes the idea that her and her colleagues’ research distracts the federal government from higher purposes. As a matter of fact, archaeology pursues a higher purpose of its own, meaning that it directly influences the quality of life. The field’s contribution consists of the profound knowledge of historical processes that determined the social evolution of humanity. More specifically, archeology explores various aspects of the past in terms of public, economic, and political relations (Jones, 2013). In a way, the field analyzes at depth both the correct ways and mistakes of history, providing policy-makers with guidelines on how to avoid negative developments in the present and the future.
For example, the archaeological research on Easter Island became highly relevant in terms of its social significance. Without this professional knowledge, it was seen merely as a remote island with fascinating monuments of the mo’ai. However, archaeology highlighted the centuries-old feud between the isolated people of Easter Island with limited resources that put an end to a thriving civilization. In other words, this research introduced an evidence-based perspective on the dangers of such developments. Moreover, the ideas presented by Altas (2012) suggest that archaeology impacts society on a more profound, fundamental level. Knowledge of the past civilizations highlights the relentless flow of history, in which nations emerge and disappear only to be studied by future generations. In this sense, archaeology emphasizes the immense meaning of life as it is through cultural enrichment and a broader perspective on humanity’s role in the universe.
Ultimately, the logic behind the stigmatization of “non-essential” research is flawed at its root. It is unwise and even dangerous to underestimate the importance of archaeology and adjacent disciplines for humanity. In its current state, this field of research addresses the matters upon which society has been based since its dawn. While the technological aspect of humanity may have evolved, the cultural, political, and social processes have remained within the single paradigm across centuries.
References
Atlas, J. (2012). Is this the end? The New York Times, 1-4.
Joyce, R. (2013). Why fund studies of Maya architecture instead of saving lives? Berkeley Blog. Web.
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