Ethical and theoretical approaches on the relationship between science and occupational therapy: implications on disciplinary practices

• Main Author: Cristián Valderrama
• Format: Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Universidad de Chile 2013-08-01
• Series: Revista Chilena de Terapia Ocupacional
• Online Access: https://revistaterapiaocupacional.uchile.cl/index.php/RTO/article/view/27448

This essay aims to reflect on the relationship between some fundations of the science and implications for occupational therapy practice. This work attempts to reveal certain arguments of scientific knowledge that can be questioned in its implications when applied to individuals or communities, specifically the case of inductivism and observation. This exercise is done by positioning occupational therapy as a device, for this reason, this is a practice, a speech, and a knowledge that produces subjectivity. Thus, the actions of occupational therapy involve not only an epistemological, but also an ethical and political positioning. An alternative to the medical model of intervention is developed, suggesting the need to incorporate a critical social model of intervention in occupational therapy, arguing the theoretical, ethical and political issues involved in this perspective. Finally, a window is boldly opened to rethink the perpective of developing occupational science from a sociocritical view.