What Is the True Intent of Occupational Science?

Proposed Focus of Forum and its Importance to the Study of Occupation: Since its inception twenty years ago, three primary and differing intents have been expressed for occupational science: to create a new discipline focused on basic science description of occupation, to produce a unique knowledge base to inform the profession of occupational therapy, and to generate new public health initiatives through multi-disciplinary knowledge of the relationship of occupation and health. Which of these competing visions of the intent of occupational science is most accurate? Leading occupational scientists sculpt their careers in response to their perspectives on the most appropriate and valuable intent of this young science. The mission of the SSO:USA itself is responsive to intent. In this forum, the key voices and arguments for each of the three intents will be clearly articulated and rebutted. Until they are openly debated and critically examined, understandings of how the multiple intents of occupational science are shaping and stressing the development of occupational science will remain elusive. Rationale and Aims of the Forum: The rationale for the forum is that a classic debate approach will be effective in fostering critical public discourse regarding the multiple, and at times, conflicting, intents of occupational science. The aims of the debate are to sharpen participants\u27 understandings of key stances in regard to the intent of occupational science, to contribute to the development of the SSO:USA and its mission through open debate in regard to the relative value of differing intents of occupational science, and to model a revered approach to scholarly discourse within a research society. Plan for generating and managing discussion: This forum will use a classic Oxford-style debate format. Three accomplished occupational scientists, selected for their research career identifications with each of the three different intents, will engage in a debate ordered by the moderator. One month prior to the debate, the three debaters will exchange their opening position statements. The debate will proceed in the following sequence: three ten-minute opening statements, three five-minute formal rebuttals, three three-minute spontaneous rebuttals, and then the floor will be opened for three-minute spontaneous rebuttals by members of the audience. Strict timekeeping will be used and the tone of the debate will be spirited