Free Thinking in Archaeological Research: Challenging Assumptions for a Deeper Understanding
One of the most powerful tools in archaeology is not just digging deeper into the earth but digging deeper into our own thinking processes. In archaeological research, we often encounter assumptions—either based on prior data, outdated methodologies, or even cultural biases—that shape how we view and interpret the past. These assumptions, once accepted without question, can lead to distorted interpretations of the evidence. They can blind us to new insights, misplace vital clues, and ultimately hinder our understanding.
Free thinking, in this context, is the practice of questioning what we think we know. It means stepping back from conventional wisdom, challenging assumptions, and embracing the possibility that the “truth” we’ve accepted may be incomplete, or worse, misleading. The critical thinking approach applied to archaeological research requires a willingness to unlearn and relearn—to take what seems self-evident and ask, “What if this is wrong?”
The “Too Good to Be True” Social Media Scam – “I recently got a social media ad claiming I’d won a ‘limited-time offer’ for a luxury vacation—just click here! Naturally, I felt a little suspicious, but hey, ‘free vacation,’ right? Well, turns out it was the digital equivalent of ‘If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!’ After I eagerly handed over my bank details, I realized I had just funded someone’s Caribbean getaway instead of booking my own. Sometimes, greed overrules critical thinking—especially when it’s disguised as a ‘freebie.’ Next time, I’ll think before I click… but maybe I’ll still take the free vacation offer from a friend!”
How Assumptions Can Shape Our Understanding
In the field of archaeology, assumptions often shape how we interpret field systems, artifacts, and settlement patterns. For instance, many archaeological sites, especially those from the Iron Age, were never permanently inhabited. Yet, the assumption that a site should be continuously occupied or that it served a singular purpose often leads to misinterpretations. A fort, once assumed to be a permanent settlement, could actually have been a seasonal gathering place. A field system, classified as medieval due to its appearance, may have roots much deeper in time. These are not small mistakes—such assumptions can mask the true history of a site and lead us down a path of misunderstanding.
This tendency to cling to outdated conclusions is not just an issue in archaeology; it’s a natural human instinct. Our minds are programmed to accept what has been presented to us as truth, especially if those truths have been passed down through generations or supported by authoritative sources. However, critical thinking teaches us that these “truths” are often malleable. It reminds us that knowledge evolves, and assumptions that remain unchallenged can close our minds to new interpretations.
How Critical Thinking Applies to Our Own Thought Processes
Critical thinking in archaeology begins with recognizing that the way we interpret evidence is influenced by our own internal biases. These biases can be subtle—cultural expectations, personal experiences, or even the desire to conform to established views. The first step in applying critical thinking is to ask ourselves, “Why do I believe this?” and “What would happen if I didn’t believe it?”
To think critically is to engage in the following steps:
Question the evidence: Does the data truly support the conclusions we’ve drawn, or are we filling in gaps with assumptions? Is there another way to interpret the same evidence?
Consider alternatives: Are there different perspectives or theories that might explain the same findings? What would happen if we looked at the data from a different angle or with a different set of assumptions?
Recognize biases: We all have biases. Whether it’s the desire to conform to popular theories or personal experiences that shape how we perceive evidence, acknowledging these biases helps to see things more clearly.
Challenge the status quo: If an idea or interpretation has gone unquestioned for a long time, it’s often wise to revisit it. Just because something has been accepted for decades or centuries doesn’t make it unassailable.
Embrace uncertainty: Critical thinking also involves accepting that we don’t have all the answers. In archaeology, as in life, the pursuit of truth is a continual process. Some questions may remain unanswered for now, but that doesn’t mean we stop questioning.
By embracing these principles, we can prevent ourselves from falling into the trap of thinking we know it all. We can open ourselves to new ways of understanding the past and, in the process, deepen our insight into the present and future.
The Hillfort Satnav Fiasco – “Last year, while visiting a hillfort in Galicia, my satnav directed me down a narrow footpath—because, of course, that’s where the road should be. Before I could say ‘critical thinking,’ I was driving toward a dead end on a steep hillside. It was only when I realized I might soon be auditioning for a role in a car commercials ‘gone wrong’ that I stopped and thought, ‘Maybe this is not a road after all.’ In the end, it was critical thinking that saved me from a serious accident. Well, that and realizing that my satnav probably needs a new map… or some basic common sense!”
Practical Applications in Archaeology
In the context of Brigantes Nation, applying critical thinking means taking a step back and evaluating the methods used to classify and interpret Brigantian sites. For example, many field systems and settlement patterns once attributed to the medieval period may, with a more critical eye, reveal evidence of older, pre-Roman practices. This requires not only challenging conventional assumptions but also engaging with the landscape in new ways—looking at topography, seasonal factors, and material evidence from a fresh perspective. It’s about connecting the dots in ways that haven’t been tried before.
Critical thinking also means questioning the sources themselves. Are the interpretations we rely on coming from scholars with a single perspective or from a range of sources? Are we listening to local knowledge or just following established scholarly opinions? In short, we must be willing to validate the sources we use, not just the conclusions they offer.
Self-Development Through Free Thinking
By embracing critical thinking, we not only become better archaeologists but better thinkers in all aspects of life. The ability to question assumptions, challenge the status quo, and think independently is valuable in every profession and in everyday decision-making. Free thinking encourages intellectual humility, a willingness to learn, and the courage to embrace new ideas—even if they conflict with established beliefs.
There are numerous resources for those who wish to develop their critical thinking skills. Below are some recommended readings and practices:
Books:
Critical Thinking: A Concise Guide by Tracy Bowell and Gary Kemp: A great primer on the fundamentals of critical thinking.
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman: Explores the different modes of thinking and how biases influence our judgments.
The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan: A call to skeptical thinking in science, especially useful for anyone engaged in research.
Articles:
“The Importance of Critical Thinking in Research” from The Journal of Research in Science Teaching: An academic exploration of critical thinking in the context of research.
The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli: A series of short chapters on common cognitive biases that influence decision-making.
Exercises:
Daily reflection: Ask yourself what assumptions you might have accepted in your own work or life and how they could be challenged.
Engage in discussions with others who offer differing viewpoints—this can help to refine your thinking.
Practice considering multiple solutions to problems before settling on the “obvious” answer.
Critical thinking is not only about asking the right questions but also about embracing the process of unlearning and discovering. This mindset is at the heart of Brigantes Nation’s research, and by applying it, we hope to unlock deeper, more meaningful insights into the past—and into our own thinking.
