Beyond Newtonian Thinking- Towards a Non-linear Archaeology - Applying Chaos Theory to Archaeology

Abstract

In this article the authors suggest that chaos theory can provide us with a new perspective on archaeology. Newtonian thinking is predominant in archaeology, as well as in the humanities in general. This results in the hegemony of analytic methods and a linear way of thinking on cause and effect. However, chaos theory has shown that behind many phenomena that may seem random lies order. Since these complex dynamic systems cannot be approached by linear methods we must tum to chaos theory and non-linear science. Chaos theory has major consequences for our view of determinism and predictability.