Abstract

From basic concepts of sociology, a theoretical elaboration is outlined which looks for a first approach for the building of an epistemology of Collective Health. The paper exposes initially a conceptualization of epistemology, taking into account that different epistemologies –phenomenological, constructivist, historical and archeological–have illuminated the scientific construction of Collective Health. Although the split of these disciplines are not taken into account, the analysis emphasizes the notions of concept, constructs and analytical categories as a starting point. Three founding concepts in the social sciences are stressed, which turn into analytical categories: collective, society and structure. These concepts are articulated in an interactive way with three others: individual, representation and action. The main characteristics of these concepts and their interrelation are highlighted together with the idea that other concepts may derive from this conceptual basis. The question of overcoming the oppositions is emphasized (objective/subjective, collective/individual) along with the need to think together these aspects of reality, which were classically understood as antagonists.