Paradigms in epidemiology textbooks: In the footsteps of Thomas Kuhn

This article attempts to contribute: to the debate on the future of epidemiology by combining Thomas Kuhn's ideas on scientific paradigms with the author's observations on some epidemiology textbooks.,The author's interpretations were based on his readings of Kuhn's The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, epidemiology text-books, and papers on the future of epidemiology. Thomas Kuhn's view is that sciences mostly work: with a single paradigm driven by exemplars of successful work, and that proposals for paradigm change are resisted. Sciences that are maturing or changing do not a dominant paradigm. Epidemiology textbooks showed ed diversity in their concepts, tent, and approach, Most exemplars related to etiologic research rather public health practice. One key focus of the recent controversy regarding, the role of epidemiology has been the increasing inability of epidemiology to solve socially based public health problems. Kuhn's views help explain the polarization of views expressed. Kuhn's philosophy of science offers insight into controversies such as whether a paradigm shift is needed iir imminent and the gay between epidemiology arm science philosophers, epidemiologists, and public health practitioners may be valuable.