It is doubtful whether there can be theory-free description, even of the most basic kind. But it never does and never will. It has not been our intention to sell any one particular position, but rather to indicate how the subject has developed and may continue to develop, and to arm those taking the course with general knowledge of the range of theoretical stances in the discipline at the present time. In particular it has rarely been possible to offer any extended case studies, while those that have been discussed have tended to come from the field of prehistory. The goal is to show the central role of theory in achieving good archaeological interpretation, in trying to make sense of the past, and in coming to terms with our own starting point in the present.
Theory is the means by which interpretation is achieved.
All are to be considered in the context of debates about society, individuals and agency.