1st Edition

Towards a New Science of Health

Edited By Stephen Fulder, Robert Lafaille Copyright 1993

    The foundations of health sciences need rethinking. The mechanistic biomedical model, apparently so successful in the past, is now criticised for failing to explain what health is and how it can be preserved. The world's major health problems no longer seem so controllable.
    A new science of health is needed, a radical spirit of inquiry which draws on a broad knowledge base and a variety of approaches, a science which does not balk at reconceptualising health and building on innovative research.
    Towards a New Science of Health provides a radical alternative to current biomedical thinking. Presenting an overview of all major paradigms in the health sciences, their historical development, socio-cultural background and value, the book provides a framework for innovative thinking in health. Drawing on a range of disciplinary perspectives and focussing on a variety of approaches - systems theory, human experience and biography, the healing process and social relations - the authors aim to bridge the gap between personal experience and scientific knowledge.

    E. Gopel, D.K. Callebaut, R.Rijke, P.Mielants and P.Rijanders, J.U. Niehoff and F. Schneider, M. De Vries, L. Reijnders, J.W. Salmon, J.W. Ratcliffe, D. Canter and L. Nanke, J. Leeber and J. Vansteenkiste

    Biography

    Stephen Fulder, Robert Lafaille

    `The arguments are scholarly and presented with conviction and not a little passion. It makes thought-provoking reading and, in spite of its imbalances, I recommend it to established and aspiring health scientists of all complexions.' - Health Psychology Update

    ` ... makes a major contribution to such a self-reflective perspective. Reading this book is thus an enormous stimulous see outside the narrow vision of a single discipline and to the potential of a truely multi-perspective understanding.' - Complimentary Therapies in Medicine