This chapter begins with a discussion of reasonableness in archaeological
interpretation, which is shown to be of an arbitrary nature. The effects of taphonomic
logic are scrutinized, and the task of metamorphology is outlined. Another perspective,
derived from complex systems science, also indicates that the sophistication of early
human culture should be assumed to have been underestimated. This tendency of
underrating the ancients, in combination with the “African Eve” hypothesis, accounts
for the reluctance of accepting the Pleistocene seafaring ability. It is emphasized by the
inability of archaeology to consider the probably more developed and sedentary half of
Pleistocene humanity, the coastal populations, because it totally lacks any knowledge
about them. Finally, in examining philosophy of science, the roles of sensory perception
and language in the creation of human constructs of reality is reviewed.
Keywords: Archaeological interpretation, taphonomic logic, metamorphology,
hegemonic narrative, complex systems science, Pleistocene seafaring, philosophy
of science, sensory perception.
