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Deontology and ethics

Ethics is the science of moral obligation, ethics and duties to be fulfilled. Define, in broad terms, rules of conduct that should be respected by the players in a given collective activity. Deontology is thus a commitment that members of a group are imposed, to act according to a set of rules approved by all, ensuring good practice in their activities. This compromise, moral character, gives group members a series of rights and obligations must be respected by all. The Ethics is a code of ethics and good conduct, which is formalized through a regulation
which they must be prepared by the couple.

When talking about ethics in this portal, we mean omplementarias two situations: the first is the construction of an archaeological ethics into practice in Ecuador, and the second to be a consequence of the above is the code of conduct we impose on the use of this website.

You can also participate in discussions on deontología in our forum.



The APAR Code of Ethics to Visits Archaeological Sites with Rock Art PDF Print E-mail
Written by Asociación Peruana de Arte Rupestre (APAR)   
Tuesday, 17 November 2009 12:37

Premises

The Rock Art is an archaeological object and therefore a national monument. This means that that the rock art is protected by Peruvian laws of the cultural and archaeological patrimony.

The Rock Art is a cultural heritage of the past. There are four kinds of rock art in Peru: Rock paintings, Petroglyphs, Mobiliary Rock Art, and Geoglyphs.

The rock art includes the following features: The figuration image (made by paint, percussion, or other techniques), the support (the rock, the rock outcrop, land floor) and the landscape environment. As a whole these features configure the archaeological rock art site.

All the Peruvians have the right and the duty to appreciate, protect and study the national rock art having in mind the following aspects:

Ethical behavior

1. Always communicate the entry to the sites that are under supervision, of the state (National Culture Institute – INC for example), or individual (Peasant Community, associations, etc.) If internal procedures of visits exist, follow this regulation and fulfill its stipulated requirements.

2. Understand consciously being in a place that is an old art repository, a place with exposed relics. Therefore an appropriate behavior to this situation is required.

3. Always observe the rock art from a prudential distance.

4. Never interfere physically the rock art in no way. It must never be touch, paint, scrape, make wet, scale, etc.

5. Never alter in no way the surroundings environment in which the rock art are included. Never remove the ground, make bonfires, campings, constructions, etc., in zones close to the rock art sites.

6. Never collect or pick it up form the floor any cultural material associated to the rock art sites, are this ceramic, lithic, bone, or any other similar material. This recommendation also includes botanical samples also (plants and/or trees,) and mineral samples and fossils.

7. Never leave in the area nothing strange to the environment and the rock art site, this includes offerings, payments, coins; garbage, etc.

8. Always remember that any damage to the rock art, being national patrimony, constitutes a crime against our cultural heritage that is subject to penalties

 
The IFRAO Code of Ethics PDF Print E-mail
Written by IFRAO   
Tuesday, 17 November 2009 12:11

The following Code of Ethics was ratified by the full IFRAO meeting on 14 July 2000 in Alice Springs, Australia. It represents the recommends minimum ethical standards for conducting rock art research anywhere.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 November 2009 12:35
 
Ética profesional en la arqueología ecuatoriana, en realidad existe? PDF Print E-mail
Written by Fernando Astudillo Cueva   
Friday, 08 February 2008 10:35
There are no translations available at this moment. Thanks for your comprehension.

No es nada nuevo el tema de que la práctica arqueológica ecuatoriana mantiene una tradición barroca para manejar asuntos administrativos y de ética profesional, ni tampoco es nuevo el hecho de que la gente se apersonaliza de un puesto de alguna institución, cuando sus funciones deberían ser estrictamente profesionales. Sin embargo si toma por sorpresa el hecho de que dentro de una institución académica como la PUCE, que desde el año pasado intenta fomentar una nueva visión sobre la práctica investigativa en arqueología, se sigan manteniendo actitudes contradictorias al discurso que actualmente se maneja.

Como es de conocimiento público, el Proyecto Chilmá: Arqueología, Etnohistoria y Etnografía de un pueblo Pasto, se ejecuta a través de un convenio de cooperación interinstitucional entre la PUCE y el Gobierno Provincial de Carchi (GPC), en donde la universidad aporta con el componente profesional e investigativo, y el GPC con el financiamiento y la logística dentro de la Provincia. El proyecto investigativo por ahora ha logrado culminar con las etapas de prospección y excavación arqueológica, con cuyos resultados ha sido posible la realización de dos tesis de licenciatura en antropología de la PUCE (incluyendo la mía), y el paso siguiente es el análisis de los materiales procedentes de la excavación en Chilmá.
Last Updated on Monday, 14 September 2009 09:09
 
Principios de Ética y Estándares de Conducta Profesional PDF Print E-mail
Written by Asociación de Arqueológos Profesionales de la República Argentina   
Monday, 30 July 2007 16:41
There are no translations available at this moment. Thanks for your comprehension.

Principios de Ética

Principio Nº 1: Administración

El registro arqueológico, constituido por el material y los sitios arqueológicos en su localización original, las colecciones arqueológicas y los informes y registros, es irremplazable. Es responsabilidad de todos los arqueólogos trabajar para la conservación a largo plazo y la protección del registro arqueológico mediante su administración. Los administradores son tanto conservadores como defensores del registro arqueológico en beneficio de toda la gente; como ellos investigan e interpretan el registro arqueológico se debería utilizar el conocimiento que han ganado para promover el conocimiento público y apoyar la preservación a largo plazo.

Atención: Es imperativo atender los requerimientos de las comunidades aborígenes que tengan reconocida vinculación con el Patrimonio Arqueológico y/o la historia cultural que el arqueólogo se encuentre investigando. (viene del Articulo 5 de los Estándares)

Principio Nº 2: Responsabilidad

La investigación arqueológica responsable incluye todos los niveles de la actividad profesional, requiere un reconocimiento de responsabilidad pública y un compromiso para hacer un esfuerzo razonable y honesto, y para consultar activamente con grupos afectados, con el objetivo de establecer una relación de trabajo que pueda ser beneficiosa para todas las partes involucradas.

Principio Nº 3: Comercialización
La compra y venta de objetos arqueológicos son prácticas frecuentes. Esta situación está contribuyendo a la destrucción del registro arqueológico en todo el mundo. La comercialización de objetos arqueológicos - su uso como mercancías para ser explotadas en usufructo o beneficio personal - resulta en la destrucción de sitios arqueológicos y de información contextual que es esencial para comprender el registro arqueológico. Los arqueólogos, por lo tanto, no deben estar involucrados en la compra y venta de vestigios arqueológicos. Deben respetar los principios básicos que hacen a la conservación y restauración de sitios y piezas arqueológicos. Los arqueólogos deben arbitrar los medios para tratar de que las colecciones particulares queden en instituciones nacionales públicas, o fácilmente disponibles para el estudio científico y la exhibición pública.

Principio Nº 4: Educación pública y Difusión
Los arqueólogos deberían participar en esfuerzos cooperativos con otros interesados en el registro arqueológico con el objetivo de mejorar su preservación, protección e interpretación. En particular, los arqueólogos deberían:
  1. Conseguir apoyo público para la administración del registro arqueológico;
  2. Explicar y promocionar el uso de métodos y técnicas arqueológicos para la comprensión de la cultura y la conducta humana; y
  3. Comunicar las interpretaciones arqueológicas del pasado. Existe un amplio público para la arqueología, que incluye diversos sectores de la sociedad: estudiantes y maestros; indígenas, u etnías, y grupos culturales que encuentran en el registro arqueológico importantes aspectos de su herencia cultural; legisladores y gobernadores; periodistas y otros agentes involucrados en la difusión; público en general. Los arqueólogos no capacitados para emprender actividades vinculadas con la educación pública y el contacto directo con estos sectores deberían alentar y apoyar los esfuerzos de otros en estas actividades.
Principio Nº 5: Propiedad intelectual
La propiedad intelectual, como contenedora del conocimiento y los documentos creados a través del estudio de recursos arqueológicos, forma parte del registro arqueológico. Como tal, éste debería ser tratado de acuerdo con los principios de administración más que como un problema de posesión personal. Si hay una razón de fuerza mayor, y restricciones no legales o fuertes intereses adversos, un investigador debe tener acceso primario a los materiales originales y documentos por un tiempo limitado y razonable, después del cual esos materiales y documentos deben quedar disponibles para otros.

Principio Nº 6: Informes y publicaciones
Dentro de un tiempo razonable, el conocimiento de logros arqueológicos a partir de la investigación del registro arqueológico, debe ser presentado en forma accesible a través de publicaciones u otros medios de alcance e interés tan amplios como sea posible. Los documentos y materiales, sobre los cuales las publicaciones y otras formas de informes públicos están basados, deberían ser depositados en un lugar adecuado para su permanente custodia. El interés en la preservación y protección de sitios arqueológicos en su lugar de origen debe ser tenido en cuenta cuando se publica y distribuye información acerca de su naturaleza y ubicación.

Principio Nº 7: Registros y preservación
Los arqueólogos deberían trabajar activamente en la preservación de colecciones arqueológicas, registros e informes. Asimismo deberían animar a sus colegas, estudiantes y otros agentes para hacer uso responsable de las colecciones, registros e informes en su investigación, como un medio para preservar el registro arqueológico en su lugar de origen, y para incrementar su cuidado y atención.

Principio Nº 8: Entrenamiento y recursos
Dada la naturaleza destructiva de muchas investigaciones arqueológicas, los arqueólogos deben asegurarse de tener entrenamiento adecuado, experiencia, facilidades, y todo otro apoyo necesario para conducir cualquier programa de investigación que inicien, de modo consistente con los principios precedentes y normas contemporáneas de la práctica profesional.
Last Updated on Monday, 30 July 2007 16:46
 
Policy Statements of the Institute of Field Archæologists PDF Print E-mail
Written by Institute of Field Archæologists   
Friday, 20 July 2007 15:40

Policy statements #1
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN ARCHAEOLOGY

Equal opportunities is an issue integral to every aspect of archaeological work. It is an aspect of human resource management concerned with the provision of equal access in staff recruitment, selection, training, promotion and retention, and equal opportunity for a positive work experience and environment. While structural inequalities are not specific to archaeological practice, the Institute of Field Archaeologists takes responsibility for formulating policy on archaeological standards, and thus equity issues are implicit in its Code of conduct.

1.1 The Institute of Field Archaeologists is committed to a policy of equal opportunities in archaeology, and its implementation through a programme of positive action.

1.2 This policy aims to heighten awareness of equity issues amongst the membership of the Institute, and to encourage employers to adopt guidelines ensuring that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment or access to opportunities for training and development on the grounds of age, gender, marital status, disability, race, religious belief, ethnic or national origins, sexual orientation, or any other grounds not relevant to employment practice.

1.3 The Institute will observe this policy in relation to its own employees, and will consider the policy applicable to its membership. According to the Institute’s Code of conduct, all members must practice ethical and responsible behaviour in archaeological affairs (Principle 1), and in dealing with employees and colleagues (Principle 5). Appropriate professional conduct includes refraining from racial and sexual discrimination and harassment. Such behaviour may lead to allegations of improper conduct requiring an investigation conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Institute’s Disciplinary regulations.

1.4 The Institute is committed to equality of opportunity for representation on its committees, working parties and Council, and in the validation process leading to membership.

1.5 Henceforward, the Institute will observe a policy of nonsexist and non-discriminatory language in its by-laws, administration, publications, presentations and annual conference.

1.6 Though its Equal opportunities and Career development and training committees, the Institute is committed to a programme of positive action to make this policy fully effective.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 September 2009 08:38
 
Disciplinary regulations PDF Print E-mail
Written by Institute of Field Archaeologists   
Friday, 29 June 2007 22:48
By-laws of the Institute of Field Archaeologists
Disciplinary Regulations
Revised Edition, September 2005

The Institute recognises that from time to time there will be allegations that a member has acted contrary to the Code of conduct or other by-laws of the Institute.

In common with many other professional institutes, the IFA in 2004 and 2005 reviewed its disciplinary procedures with a view to making them less cumbersome, making the Institute more credible as an effective regulatory body (especially to those outside archaeology), ensuring lay involvement where appropriate, emphasising redress or improvement rather than punishment, enabling the Institute to devote its limited resources to investigating allegations of misconduct rather than mediating in contractual or professional disputes, and ensuring compliance with human rights legislation and general principles of natural justice.

These disciplinary regulations set out the procedure by which the Institute will determine whether an allegation requires formal investigation, and if it does how that investigation will be carried out. If formal disciplinary proceedings take place, each party is given an opportunity to present his/her case or to defend himself/herself against the allegation. The procedures also allow for representation and appeal against the findings and any sanctions.

The Institute’s policy is to preserve confidentiality, and it requests all those involved in any proceedings to do likewise. The Institute cannot be held responsible for breaches of confidentiality by individuals involved in proceedings.

The Institute will take all reasonable steps to ensure that proceedings are completed promptly. The failure by the last to comply with any time limit imposed by this by-law will not invalidate any disciplinary proceedings.

These regulations set out a four-stage process comprising
  • a preliminary assessment either of whether an allegation could better be resolved by discussion; or of whether information that comes to the attention of the Institute might lead it to make its own allegation (clauses 1-6)
  • an initial investigation of an formal allegation to determine whether there is a case to answer, whether conduct warrants only advisory recommendation, or whether to recommend appointment of a disciplinary panel (clauses 7-15)
  • an investigation by a disciplinary panel (clauses 16-26), with an appeal process (clauses 27-35)
  • reporting and review (clauses 36-39)
Last Updated on Monday, 14 September 2009 08:57
 
Code of approved practice for the regulation of contractual arrangements in field archæology PDF Print E-mail
Written by Institute of Field Archaeologists   
Friday, 29 June 2007 22:23

By-laws of the Institute of Field Archaeologists
Code of approved practice for the regulation of contractual arrangements in field archaeology
Revised edition, September 2002

This Code provides guidance to archaeologists about professional conduct in situations where sponsored or commissioned archaeological work is undertaken on a contractual basis, especially as part of development controlled by the planning process. It is based on the five principles already enshrined in the Institute’s Code of conduct. The principles are

  1. The archaeologist shall adhere to the highest standards of ethical and responsible behaviour in the conduct of archaeological affairs.
  2. The archaeologist has a responsibility for the conservation of the archaeological heritage.
  3. The archaeologist shall conduct his/her work in such a way that reliable information about the past may be acquired, and shall ensure that the results be properly recorded.
  4. The archaeologist has a responsibility for making available the results of archaeological work with reasonable dispatch.
  5. The archaeologist shall recognise the aspirations of employees, colleagues and helpers with regard to all matters relating to employment, including career development, health and safety, terms and conditions of employment and equality of opportunity.

It is recognised that a variety of local organisational arrangements exist for the conduct of archaeological fieldwork and its associated processes and that these are continuing to evolve. In some areas most projects are undertaken by a single integrated body, in others several organisations coexist harmoniously and elsewhere a more competitive environment prevails. This Code of approved practice for the regulation of contractual arrangements in field archaeology is not an attempt to promote any particular organisational system for obtaining or carrying out archaeological work. Rather it is intended to encompass all work, whether undertaken through local authorities, central government, universities, museums, independent trusts or private companies.

The Code addresses issues of particular current concern. It provides guidance on professional behaviour where more than one individual or organisation is competing for the same piece of work. It seeks to ensure that the terms and conditions for all work undertaken on behalf of a third party are clearly defined, normally by contract. It requires the declaration of interests by members of the Institute involved with commissioning and implementing a programme of work. It reminds all archaeologists, whatever their role in a particular project, of the need for a sound brief and specification of work together with effective monitoring of professional, academic and technical standards in their execution.

The Code of approved practice for the regulation of contractual arrangements in field archaeology indicates the general standard of professional conduct to which individual members of the Institute and organisations are expected to adhere when constructing a tender, considering a tender, or undertaking sponsored or commissioned archaeological fieldwork under contract. Members failing to observe the norms of behaviour set out in the Code may be judged guilty by the Institute’s governing body of conduct unbecoming to a member and may be either reprimanded, suspended or expelled. The Institute from time to time produces written standards and guidance for the execution of archaeological projects, and policy statements. All members are advised to respect such standards, guidance and policy statements in the interests of good professional practice; a full list of the IFA Standard and guidance documents and policy statements published to date will be found in the ‘Further reading’ section appended to the Code.

This Code of approved practice for the regulation of contractual arrangements in field archaeology was formally ratified and adopted as a by-law of the Institute at the Annual General Meeting held on 17 September 1990, and amended by Ordinary Resolutions passed at Annual General Meetings held on 17 September 1993, 14 October 1994, 22 September 1995, 10 September 1997, 17 September 1998 and 7 September 2000. It should be read in conjunction with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, Code of conduct, Disciplinary regulations and Standard and guidance documents (by-law enacted under Article 44, pursuant to Clause 3 of the Memorandum).

Last Updated on Monday, 14 September 2009 08:55
 
Code of conduct PDF Print E-mail
Written by Institute of Field Archæologists   
Friday, 29 June 2007 22:08

By-laws of the Institute of Field Archaeologists
Code of conduct
Revised edition, October 2006

The object of the Code is to promote those standards of conduct and self-discipline required of an archaeologist in the interests of the public and in the pursuit of archaeological research.

Archaeology is the study of the nature and past behaviour of human beings in their environmental setting. It is carried out through the investigation and interpretation of the material remains of human activities, which together constitute the archaeological heritage. The archaeological heritage is a finite, vulnerable and diminishing resource.

The fuller understanding of our past provided by archaeology is part of society’s common heritage and it should be available to everyone. Because of this, and because the archaeological heritage is an irreplaceable resource, archaeologists both corporately and individually have a responsibility to help conserve the archaeological heritage, to use it economically in their work, to conduct their studies in such a way that reliable information may be acquired, and to disseminate the results of their studies.

Subscription to this Code of conduct for individuals engaged in archaeology assumes acceptance of these responsibilities. Those who subscribe to it and carry out its provisions will thereby be identified as persons professing specific standards of competence, responsibility and ethical behaviour in the pursuit of archaeological work.

The Code indicates the general standard of conduct to which members of the Institute are expected to adhere, failing which its governing body may judge them guilty of conduct unbecoming to a member of the Institute and may either reprimand, suspend or expel them. The Institute from time to time produces written standards and guidance for the execution of archaeological projects, and policy statements. All members are advised to respect such standards, guidance and policy statements in the interests of good professional practice; a full list of the IFA Standard and guidance documents published to date will be found in the ‘Further reading’
section.

The Code of conduct was formally ratified and adopted as a by-law of the Institute at the Annual General Meeting held on 3 June 1985, and amended by Ordinary Resolutions passed at Annual General Meetings held on 12 September 1988, 17 September 1993, 14 October 1994, 22 September 1995, 11 September 1996, 10 September 1997 and 7 September 2000. It should be read in conjunction with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, Code of approved practice for the regulation of contractual arrangements in field archaeology, Disciplinary regulations and Standard and guidance documents (by-law enacted under Article 44, pursuant to Clause 3 of the Memorandum).

Last Updated on Monday, 14 September 2009 08:37
 
Ethical Code for Archaeological Practice PDF Print E-mail
Written by Association des archéologues du Québec   
Thursday, 28 June 2007 16:38
Este código pertenece íntegramente a los reglamentos de la Asociación de Arqueólogos de Québec. Por consiguiente, obliga a todos sus miembros a conocerlo y a aplicarlo dentro del desempeño de sus actividades profesionales.
Last Updated on Monday, 14 September 2009 08:36
 
The ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums PDF Print E-mail
Written by ICOM   
Thursday, 31 May 2007 23:42
1. Introduction

The ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums is a means of professional self-regulation. It sets minimum standards of conduct and performance to which all museum professional staff throughout the world may reasonably aspire. At the same time it also provides a clear statement of what the public may justifiably expect from the museum profession. Although the Code cannot take precedence over the law it may also take on a quasi-legal role where national law is ill-defined or non-existent on the matters covered.

Like the law, codes of ethics are influenced by social change as well as developing professional practice. This has been particularly pronounced with museums as their contribution to society has expanded from the academic through education to leisure and tourism, and in the promotion of cultural identity. In addition the last two decades have seen profound changes in certain countries with the transfer of public services to the private and commercial sectors and the establishment of specialist agencies to service museums. Such change can have a deconstructing effect on a profession. All involved with the collection and interpretation of the natural and cultural heritage should find a common professional bond in this revised ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums. Membership of ICOM is an affirmation of this Code.

Each section of the Code has now been critically reviewed by ICOM's Ethics Committee in the light of contemporary museum practice and edited accordingly. At the same time the Code has been presented in a less prescriptive manner. This is the first stage towards a fuller review which, it is intended, will present the principles of professional practice with guidelines for meeting them; this is planned for 2004. The present work would not have been possible without the full support of the President and Secretary General of ICOM and the large number of constructive comments received from the Committees and members of ICOM during a year-long consultation period. The brunt of the work fell on members of the Ethics Committee who met for this purpose on three occasions and took part in three electronic discussions.

ICOM issued its Ethics of Acquisition in 1970. The first full Code of Professional Ethics was published in 1986, the present revision was approved unanimously by the 20th General Assembly of ICOM in Barcelona , Spain , on 6 July 2001 . Like its precursors, the present Code provides a global minimum standard on which national and specialist groups can build to meet their particular requirements. ICOM wishes to encourage the development of such national and specialist codes and will be pleased to receive copies of them.

These should be sent to the
Secretary General of ICOM
Maison de l'UNESCO
1 rue Miollis
75732 Paris Cedex 15
France
e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Geoffrey Lewis
Chair, ICOM Ethics Committee


ICOM Ethics Committee for the period 2000-2003

Chair: Geoffrey Lewis ( UK )
Members: Gary Edson (USA); Per Kåks (Sweden); Byung-mo Kim (Rep. of Korea); Jean-Yves Marin (France); Bernice Murphy (Australia); Tereza Scheiner (Brazil); Shaje'a Tshiluila (Democratic Rep. of Congo); Michel Van-Praët (France).
Last Updated on Monday, 14 September 2009 08:52
 
Illegally excavated artifacts in scientific investigation PDF Print E-mail
Written by Ernesto Salazar   
Tuesday, 20 March 2007 19:43

In 1991 a publication by Christopher Donnan on the National Geographic magazine based on objects that had been illegally exacaveted or "huaqueados", produced an acute debate on the archaeological community of the United States regarding the ownership, or even better the "ethics" behind using illegally obteined materials in scientific publications. The same year the Society for American Archaeology stablished the "Comitty for Ethics in Archaeology" to discuss and reinforce the ethic position of the Society, among these the decision of not publishing work based on this kind of material on their magazines American Antiquity and Latin American Antiquity. Part of the debate was published on a Special Report by the tittle "Ethics in American Archaeology. The challenges for the 1990s", Mark J. Lynott and Alison Wylie., eds. SAA, 1995.

Last Updated on Monday, 14 September 2009 08:33
 
Professional Ethics Code in archaeology PDF Print E-mail
Written by ESPOL   
Friday, 16 February 2007 13:03

In order to establish a Professional Ethics Code in archaeology it is necessary to question ourselves about the responsability we have with the country, comunity, colleges and with our object of study: archaeological sites.

Last Updated on Monday, 14 September 2009 08:34
 


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