Epidemiology and the scientific method.

摘要: This article refutes the claim that field of epidemiology and community health would benefit from application scientific method. It is argued methods physics are not appropriate for other disciplines. When applied to social sciences, positivism a conservatizing force, causing theory become based on mere description phenomenon. Since it cannot lead deep understanding phenomena, incapable revealing ways in which society could be radically changed. Moreover, such far neutral. Rather, formed influenced by forms life experienced practiced society. illustrated an analysis origin modern at time when was changing feudal capitalist form organization. concluded advances will made this breaks its focus individual incorporates class into analysis. However, given interconnection between structure theory, resistance radical change can expected.