Particularism and the retreat from theory in the archaeology of agricultural origins

摘要: The introduction of new analytic methods and expansion research into previously untapped regions have greatly increased the scale resolution data relevant to origins agriculture (OA). As a result, recognition varied historical pathways continuum management strategies complicated search for general explanations transition food production. In this environment, higher-level theoretical frameworks are sometimes rejected on grounds that they force conclusions incompatible with real-world variability. Some those who take position argue instead OA should be explained in terms local historically contingent factors. This retreat from theory favor particularism is based faulty beliefs complex phenomena such as agricultural demand equally explanation possible absence theoretically assumptions. same scholars suspicious generalization reluctant embrace evolutionary approaches human behavior ahistorical, overly simplistic, dismissive agency intent. We these criticisms misplaced explain why coherent acknowledges its history essential advancing understanding OA. Continued progress depends integration culture emerging synthesis developmental biology informs contemporary plant animal domestication.