I find it a bit humorous (and perhaps a little misleading) when archaeologist, paleontologist, or anthropologist claim that they use "The scientific method". Let's face it. These particular fields cannot strictly test anything that has occurred in the past, they cannot observe it in the present, and they cannot duplicate it. Granted, these fields of study get better over time due to the ever increasing data that corroborates the current hypothesis being developed. The key word "developed". Let's be honest, the vast majority of human history is unknown, and much of it will never be known. You use a "modified scientific method" that is a mix of facts and best guesses. That being the case, perhaps a little open mindedness is needed in the soft sciences? After all, nearly everything we believed in these areas has been revised multiple times.
I find it a bit humorous (and perhaps a little misleading) when archaeologist, paleontologist, or anthropologist claim that they use "The scientific method". Let's face it. These particular fields cannot strictly test anything that has occurred in the past, they cannot observe it in the present, and they cannot duplicate it. Granted, these fields of study get better over time due to the ever increasing data that corroborates the current hypothesis being developed. The key word "developed". Let's be honest, the vast majority of human history is unknown, and much of it will never be known. You use a "modified scientific method" that is a mix of facts and best guesses. That being the case, perhaps a little open mindedness is needed in the soft sciences? After all, nearly everything we believed in these areas has been revised multiple times.