TY  - JOUR
A1  - Burch, Thomas K.
T1  - Demography in a new key: A theory of population theory
Y1  - 2003/12/05
JF  - Demographic Research
JO  - Demographic Research
SN  - 1435-9871
SP  - 263
EP  - 284
DO  - 10.4054/DemRes.2003.9.11
VL  - 9
IS  - 11
UR  - https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol9/11/
L1  - https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol9/11/9-11.pdf
L2  - https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol9/11/9-11.pdf
N2  - 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.

ER  -