Critique of Archaeological Reason
1. Introduction to the website

An open forum

Giorgio Buccellati – June 2017

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A continuing research project

While research about the Critique of Archaeological Reason has crystallized in the form of the printed volume CAR, it is intended to continue in two directions.

On the one hand, it will contribute additional documentary material to the book, in its role as a companion to the published volume. This effort will obviously follow closely the format of the volume.

On the other hand, it will expand the nature of the inquiry. While remaining close to the concept of a “critique,” it will elaborate more thoroughly some of the key themes that have been broached, and it will at the same time go beyond this framework and propose new avenues for research.

The website will be an open forum in two respects. First, because of the potential expansion beyond the scope of the printed volume. Second, because it aims to be be a collaborative effort, which will welcome and seek the participation of others.

An important feature of the updating process is that each new version will include a new set of indices, created automatically from the input.

Back to top: An open forum

An open forum

Back to top: An open forum

Critique Research Group

This collaborative dimension has already been of great importance in the creation of the current website. It came gradually into being as an informal, but structured, research project,which drew on three institutional settings: the Mozan/Urkesh Archaeological Project, the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA and the Hermeneutics Research Project at the Catholic University of Milan. These created the framework within which ideas were discussed and mechanisms were developed for an actual participation in the construction of the site. The results can be assessed by looking at the Authorship section.

We will continue on the same direction and widen the scope of this effort, which will be known as the Critique Research Group. Aiming to maintain the momentum behind the website, it will offer opportunities especially to young scholars interested in the various aspects of our research. A preliminary indication of the mechanisms through which this will be possible is already given in the secion on data handling.

To this end, I am in the process of securing funding that will allow us to establish a proper institutional base on which to build. Future versions of the website will give proper credit to these supporters.

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