title: [The problem of true knowledge in epidemiology].
abstract: The philosophical basis of the validation of scientific knowledge, with a view to establishing 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.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Medicina Preventiva da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Ayres
mesh_terms: D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D010686:Philosophy, Medical
vernacular_title: O problema do conhecimento verdadeiro na epidemiologia.