ABSTRACT

In an era of modern science-based conservation, heritage professionals pride themselves on their objective and interdisciplinary approach in conservation decision-making. However, supposedly well-supported conservation treatment decisions continue be the topic of heated discussions in the cultural heritage field. The question is why this is still the case. It is argued that many conservation decisions are by nature subjective, and that taste or professional preference play an important role. Combined with the fear of failure based on strict interpretations of conservation codes of ethics, this often leads to convoluted and heated arguments for or against a particular treatment. The meaning of the key concepts of authenticity and originality are no longer clear to practitioners, whose working definitions are often far removed from their original dictionary definitions. It is proposed that heritage professionals begin to accept that decision-making in conservation is, for the most part, subjective. Coupled with the concept of a ‘bespoke code of ethics’, this will allow for more open discussion and more flexibility in decision-making.

摘要

在现代以科学为基础的保护时代，遗产专业人士以他们在保护决策中的客观和跨学科方法而自豪。然而，据称得到充分支持的保护处理决定仍然是文化遗产领域的热门话题。问题是为什么仍然如此。有人认为，许多保护决定本质上是主观的，品味或专业偏好起着重要作用。再加上基于对保护道德规范的严格解释而对失败的恐惧，这通常会导致支持或反对特定治疗的复杂而激烈的争论。从业者不再清楚真实性和原创性的关键概念的含义，其工作定义通常与其原始字典定义相去甚远。建议遗产专业人士开始接受保护决策在很大程度上是主观的。再加上“定制的道德规范”的概念，这将允许更公开的讨论和更大的决策灵活性。