Abstract

AYRES, José Ricardo de Carvalho Mesquita. The problem of true knowledge in epidemiology. Rev. Saúde Pública [online]. 1992, vol.26, n.3, pp. 206-214. ISSN 0034-8910.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89101992000300013.

The philosophical basis of the validation of scientific knowledge, with a view to stablishing a critical point of view as to the adoption of Popper's propositions in epidemiology is examined. The conservative character that results from the technical limitations implied in this adoption is a noteworthy aspect of the discussion, despite the evident increase in heuristic rationality and creativity that result.

Keywords : Epidemiologic methods; Philosophy; Social medicine.