@article{Burch_9_11,
author = {Burch, Thomas K.},
title={{Demography in a new key: A theory of population theory}},
journal = {Demographic Research},
volume = {9},
number = {11},
pages = {263--284},
doi = {10.4054/DemRes.2003.9.11},
year = {2003},
abstract = {The widespread opinion that demography is lacking in theory is based in part on a particular view of the nature of scientific theory, generally known as logical empiricism [or positivism].  A newer school of philosophy of science, the model-based view, provides a different perspective on demography, one that enhances its status as a scientific discipline. 

From this perspective, much of formal demography can be seen as a collection of substantive models of population dynamics [how populations and cohorts behave], in short, theoretical knowledge.    And many theories in behavioural demography - often discarded as too old or too simplistic - can be seen as perfectly good scientific theory, useful for many purposes, although often in need of more rigorous statement.},
URL = {https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol9/11/},
eprint = {https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol9/11/9-11.pdf}
}