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 … old or too simplistic - can be seen as perfectly good scientific theory, useful for many purposes, although often in need …

a new interpretation of population dynamics in Northern Italy from about 1450 to 1800. The article analyzes Lee’s theory … and suggests that, even if it is difficult to test, it is useful both from the point of view of population theory and from …