Archaeological Value: Epistemological Foundations and Practical Implications

Abstract

In archaeology and heritage studies, "archaeological value" is a term frequently used yet often lacking clear epistemological and philosophical context. Its ambiguity is particularly problematic in academic and professional discourse, leading to inconsistent and sometimes flawed evaluations of archaeological artifacts. This study seeks to address this ambiguity by exploring the concept from two perspectives: the philosophical dimension, focusing on axiological semantics, and the archaeological dimension, emphasizing its empirical application in practice. By examining how socio-cultural constructs and historical contexts influence perceptions of value, this paper proposes a novel framework to reconcile theoretical and practical perspectives. Through thisinterdisciplinary approach, the study aims to establish a coherent epistemological basis for understanding and applying "archaeological value."