The archeological interpretation and field work use various approaches that require the archeologist to think critically. One of the qualities of a good critical thinker that represents archeologists is the ability to be open-minded. That is, taking diverse perspectives when considering an issue. Bailey demonstrates this through his analysis of the concept of time. The analysis shows high levels of critical thinking among archeologists as they investigate the influence of time on a historical phenomenon. The author represents different archeological perspectives revealed by the analysis of four themes explaining archeological findings. For example, the second theme demonstrates how individual’s perception of time is altered by expanded time perspectives (Bailey, 2005). On this theme, the archeologists take multiple perspectives in analyzing the concept of time and its relationship to a person's perception of time upon identifying an artifact. In the Time Team season 16 and episode 6, archeologists are seen using different methodologies to investigate factors that led to the displacement of objects place in temples (Zaaijer, 2013). Using different approaches helps in developing diverse views when interpreting historical objects and places.
History and archeology are studies as independent disciplines today, but the two subjects are very closely related. An archeologist must address an issue concerning a historical fact to create relevance. Both archeologists and historians use critical thinking when gathering information about past events and objects and when interpreting the information. Archeologists and historians should not differ on how to use critical thinking because both disciplines investigate happenings and events about one factor, time. Using the chosen characteristic of a critical thinker, historians must study multiple sources to using different perspectives when investigating a historical event. In a similar manner, archeologists make a critical analysis of a phenomenon and use different sources of information to come up with evidence.
References
Bailey, G. (2005). The concept of time in Archeology: The key concept (ed. Renfrew and Bahn,
2005). London: Routledge.
Zaaijer, R. (2016, May 14). Time Team S16-E06 The Trouble with Temples: Friar's Wash,
Hertfordshire. [Video File]. Retrieved February 4, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLcxwPeeohk
