Occupational science, values and justice

In a thoughtful reflection on the emergence and purpose of occupational science, Venkatapuram poses issues for occupational therapists in relation to what it means to be a science. Citing debates within epidemiology, characterized as being a biological or social science, Venkatapuram argues that in the post-pandemic context occupational scientists must think hard about the values underpinning their enterprise, and the implications for people's quality of life and well-being. Ultimately, he raises questions about what science is for, whether science can convince people about what to do, and how we should be striving for something better than what is now. Pointing to the overlap between the capabilities approach and what occupational science is trying to achieve, Venkatapuram concludes with the challenge: "How are you going to bridge knowledge production with transforming the world?"