Abstract

Broadbent takes on the ambitious project of carving out some space for a philosophy of epidemiology within the philosophy of science. An exploratory endeavor, the book travels down many paths that the author notes are of limited value. Framing the questions, the answers remain unsettled. This introduction to the primary concepts of a philosophy of epidemiology makes little headway in providing a clearly articulated structure. Though the book begins a discussion of a philosophy of epidemiology, a great deal more work is needed. Some efforts are made to make this work accessible to nonphilosophical audiences, e.g., a brief glossary is included, but these efforts are uneven and infrequent. Only those well versed in philosophy will be in a position to follow this work. Graduate students and faculty/researchers may find it useful as a starting point for further research. Summing Up: Optional. Graduate students and above.