1st Edition

Contemporary Theory of Conservation

By Salvador Munoz-Vinas Copyright 2005
    256 Pages
    by Routledge

    256 Pages
    by Routledge

    Classical theories of conservation are well known in the heritage community, but in the last two decades thinking has shifted, and classical theory has faced increasing criticism. Contemporary Theory of Conservation brings together current ideas in conservation theory, presenting a structured, coherent analysis of the subject for the first time.
    This engaging and readable text is split into 3 parts. The first, Fundamentals of conservation, addresses the identity of conservation itself, and problems arising when classical conservation theories are applied. The second part, Questioning classical theories, delves deeper into the criticism of classical ideas such as reversibility. This leads on to the creation of new paradigms such as sustainability, which are covered in the final part of the book, Conservation ethics.

    Fundamentals of Conservation - Towards a definition of conservation; Towards a definition of restoration; Conservation and/or restoration; Preservation; Conservation objects; Two paradoxes; A semantic turn; Informational conservation; A further requisite - risk; Expressive conservation; Questioning classical principles; Authenticity; Objectivity; Scientific conservation?; Damage; Other concepts; Conservation ethics - Radical subjectivism; Intersubjectivity; Functional and value-led conservation; Negotiative conservation; Sustainable conservation; The limits of contemporary conservation theory; Conclusions; Bibliography and references; Index

    Biography

    Salvador Muñoz Viñas