Some contributions from epistemology constructivist to propedéutica Medical

Abstract

This paper summarizes some basic definitions and historical perspectives of both the positivist and the constructivist paradigms, as well as of some of the methodologies they both have engendered. It compares the way the qualitative researcher constructs knowledge with that of the physician, by studying examples of situations from the daily practice of the clinician, in which he uses a qualitative epistemology in his or her decision making process, without necessarily knowing so in a conscious way. It concludes by recognizing the value of qualitative methods and epistemology in the medical practice, and by acknowledging the necessity of a more formal knowledge of those methods by the physician.