La tafonomía como ciencia: aspectos epistemológicos.

Abstract

The meaning of Taphonomy is analyzed etymologically and on the ground of its eontent and boundaries, with a discussion about ineluding or not the precise fossilization processes. Considerations follow on the subject --fossils and alteration marks--, and object --agents, processes and en Cuadernos- de Geología Ibérica, nY 23,37-52. Servicio de Publicaciones. Universidad Complutense, Madrid, 1997. Emiliano Aguirre 38 víronmental conditions-- of this approach, method and predictability, and on other qualities of taphonomie knowledge, that force to recognizing Taphonomy as a science or scientific approach properly, more than purely a methodological ficíd. The possibilities for ehronological calibra tion and resolution deserve particular attention, and cases are presented of prehistorie sites in karst deposits.