麦基翁论题及其争论研究

The McKeown Thesis and Its Controversies

相较于公共卫生措施与医学贡献,生活水平的提高尤其是营养的改善是18、19世纪人口爆炸式增长的原因,这便是著名的“麦基翁论题”。支持者认为该命题敢于挑战既有叙述,引导学界反思经济变化、医疗发展与公共卫生之间的复杂关系。而反对者则强调其论证薄弱,忽略了公共卫生机构的工作,是20世纪70年代医学批评与政治倾向下的产物。其实,对麦基翁论题的解读不能忽视农业社会到工业社会转变的时代背景,警惕由时代错置引起的误读,这对理解公共卫生、医学贡献与生活水平的互动关系有重要的现实意义与学术价值。

In contrast to the significance attributed to public health measures and medical advancements,it is imperative to underscore the pivotal role played by the amelioration of living standards,with a particular emphasis on the enhancement of nutrition,in driving the rapid population expansion experienced during the 18th and 19th centuries,colloquially referred to as the McKeown Thesis.Proponents have ardently contended that it disrupts established historical narratives,prompting a rigorous reexamination of the intricate interplay between socioeconomic transformations,medical innovations,and the domain of public health.Conversely,detractors vehemently emphasize the insufficiency of empirical substantiation supporting its claims,while concurrently asserting that it inadequately acknowledges the contributions of public health institutions.Their position posits that the thesis,as it stands,arose critique within the medical community and was influenced by political biases in the 1970s.Indeed,the interpretation of the McKeown Thesis cannot disregard the historical context of the transition from agrarian societies to industrial societies.Vigilance is necessary to avoid misinterpretations stemming from temporal misplacement,as this bears significant practical relevance and academic value in comprehending the interplay between public health,medical contributions,and living standards.