Abstract

This chapter explores the need for and nature of philosophy in epidemiology. It requires the collaboration of epidemiologists and philosophers who seek to uncover the foundations of this basic professional health discipline. The chapter begins with some history, documenting the extent to which a few epidemiologists and even fewer philosophers are already moving toward a philosophy of epidemiology. It identifies the three levels of interaction possible between philosophy and epidemiology: philosophy and epidemiology, philosophy in epidemiology, and philosophy of epidemiology.