Für eine neue archäologische Ethik: Kritik und Empfehlungen zur Verbesserung des DGUF-Ehrenkodex

Abstract

The current code of archaeological ethics of the DGUF, examined as a case study in this contribution, turns the otherwise typical relationship between individuals addressed by and those supposed to benefit from codes of ethics on its head. Its beneficiary are not individuals affected by archaeologists‘ actions, but ‘archaeology’. Nor is it primarily addressed at us archaeologists, but mainly at individuals affected by ‘archaeology’. Its purpose, therefore, is not to protect others from ‚archaeological misconduct‘, but to assert subjective interests and morally justify ‘archaeologically necessary’ actions by archaeologists, even if they would (otherwise) be obviously unethical or outright unlawful. Thus, it is detrimental to society and should be replaced. To be effective, an archaeological ethics must primarily address us archaeologists. Conversely, its beneficiaries must be the individuals affected by our actions; and it must foreground our duty to balance disciplinary values and interests with the values and interests of these affected individuals. Only then will it enable us to autonomously determine our disciplinary actions in a manner maximising the benefits for and minimising the harm caused to individuals affected by them.