The Ethics and Values of Maritime Archaeology

9.5. Conclusion

It is from the basic principles of archaeology that an archaeological code of ethics is derived. A code of ethics can be seen as a guide, a system, a set of regulations or laws, which governs the conduct of a profession. The “ ethics” component gives this code a moral undertone signifying perhaps that the profession of archaeology is not just a job but a particular outlook on life. The purpose of such a code is to ensure that effective and principled archaeology is done. The quote at the head of this chapter — “which comes first — the data or the dollar?” — can be taken as an allegory for the difference between good archaeology (data) and bad archaeology (dollar). Money and competence (archaeological training and/or experience), influences how well archaeology is done. The effect of too little money on good archaeology is perhaps the first thing that comes to mind. Consider the consultant who charges expenses for the production of “high end” product but submits a report that barely meets minimum standards and pocketing the balance or conceals findings on the behest of the client. Consider also the government archaeologist who acquiesces to unethical practices for the sake of keeping his or her job or the maritime archaeologist seduced into participating in unethical activities by the promise of substantial remuneration. To practice good archaeology the data has to have primacy over the dollar.