Indiana Jones: Myth, Reality And 21st Century Archaeology

Applied archaeology in the past two decades has placed archaeologists in real-world situations. Formerly, the primary ethical issues confronting the field involved looting, repatriation of artifacts, and irregularities in the antiquities trade. However, there are new ethical dilemmas that have arisen, a still emerging preservation ethic, heritage management programs, and controversial military conflicts that endanger archaeological resources. Should we proceed working for developers and corporations whose economic aims may conflict with regulatory protocols? Should archaeologists cooperate with military and protect heritage sites in war zones around the world? Can we advocate for the resource while fulfilling contracts and commitments to clients? This week we discuss these and other questions with our guests, Dr. Peter Stone, Professor of Heritage Studies at Newcastle University and Dru McGill, a PhD candidate at Indiana University and Board Member of the World Archaeological Congress.