This is a unique exploration of the nature of health, and the various ways in which it can be understood and interpreted. Readers are encouraged to challenge arguments and extend their thinking, helping to connect the key skills of critical analysis/reflection with the central conceptual and practical issues related to health and health care.

PETER DUNCAN is Programme Director for the postgraduate programmes in Health Promotion and Health and Society at King's College, London, UK.

PART ONE: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, ACADEMIC STUDY AND HEALTH
Studying Health: the Nature of Health and Health-related Knowledge
Professional Identity and the Study of Health
Disciplines, Diversity and Health
Developing and Agenda for Studying Health
PART TWO: DEVELOPING CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES
Health Studies and Critical Analysis
Health Studies and Critical Reflection
PART THREE: CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON HEALTH
The Nature of Health: Critical Perspectives from Philosophy
The Value of Health: Critical Perspectives from Ethics
The Production of Health: Critical Perspectives from Sociology
Developing Critical Perspectives ib Health
Glossary.