Peg writes:
a researcher who admits there is no data for the ancient culture he's writing about
Would you please read the whole article already? You are making yourself appear very silly now.
The author makes it very clear that there is limited data... not NO DATA. The author makes the correct observation in that contemporary data is unavailable for the time period.
Peg writes:
I dont care what you think about my ego, but there seems to be something very odd about using modern data to come up with figures of an ancient culture
ROFL! I highly doubt you caught the irony of this statement.
The author makes an excellent argument, then again, if you had actually read the article, you would have known this.
quote:
Link
While comparing data of illiteracy from all over the world, as well as from different periods, it becomes evident that there is a direct correlation between literacy and other aspects of life in a society under study. This correlation helps because it moves the scholar from the twilight zone of speculation into a clearer field of research.
The author then goes on to demonstrate these correlations, and why they are relevant.
Peg writes:
you dont find that even remotely unlikely???
Do yourself a favor, and actually read what this individual (who is quite more qualified on the subject) has to say. Then, go to a Library, and do some research on the subject.