The thesis of this article is that historical archaeology can benefit immensely from the proper application of both humanistic and scientific methods and objectives. The corollary of this is that if we fail to use both humanism and science, we fail as scholars. Humanism and science must be used conjunctively or else a pendulum of extremes for each viewpoint sets into motion. The history of this pendulum and its extremes are examined in relationship to the development of modern philosophies of archaeology, particularly historical archaeology. A synthesis of science and humanism-empirical humanism-is offered.
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