About preconceptions in Prehistory

Abstract

We are unable to dispense with our prejudices, which are deeply rooted in our minds and condition even the most rigorous reasoning. We would like to point out some of the most common preconceptions in archaeology that often work as intangible dogmas. For example, the preconception that Neanderthals were inferior to modern humans has long prevailed. To counter this idea, others claim on the contrary that Neanderthals possessed all the necessary skills to produce art (another preconception). Consequently, they are willing to admit anything that might help to confirm  this idea. That is why they unreservedly accept the new uranium series dating technology, despite the fact that this dating method often gives artificially aged results. In their view, physical science is more reliable than archaeological reasoning.

 In this field, as in many others, prejudice prevails over scientific reasoning. To avoid this, we first need to be aware of the danger that this bias represents.