Plausible Inferences from Ceramic Artifacts
WILLIAM DAVID KINGERY · Journal of Field Archaeology · 1981
Ceramic artifact examination requires evaluation, either implicitly or explictly, of conjectures (hypotheses, postulates) from which more or less credible inferences can be deduced and tested. The nature of the induction process and the nature of artifact data are discussed in order to evaluate the sorts of inferences with which we are concerned, and how we may hope to achieve a higher degree of credibility for the plausible inferences that we derive from examination of ceramic artifacts. These inferences lead directly to statements about the history and prehistory of ceramic technology, which is a worthy goal in itself, but also a requirement for subsequent archaeological, anthropological, and historical inferences. Essential requirements for more rapid advancement of the field are discussed.