Rrt 2 of this article continues the evaluation of philosophical concepts that began In part 1. It concludes by suggesting that the foundation of the profession does not rest on the dictum 'health through occupation' but on the field related to the learning and teaching of skills, and stresses the importance and potential that this field has for the future viability of occupational therapy. In this context, the need for recognising the distinction that exists between the Inherent competence of Individuals, as closed sy&-terns, and their observable behaviour as they openly Interact with the environment Is emphasised.

This article presents an overview of the genesis of the beliefs and values about occupational therapy as they emerged in the USA, reviews some of the factors associated with these developments, and questions the professional relevance of the concept of occupation as promulgated in the model of human occupation. Part 1 provided the background: it offered an historical outline of the beginning of occupational therapy in the USA, by reflecting on the meaning of occupation and by evaluating the concept of occupation as therapy. Part 2 considers the scientific aspects of ‘occupation’ from a paradigmatic perspective and concludes with suggesting that the concept of competence, rather than occupation, has provided and will continue to provide the philosophical underpinning for occupational therapy.

This article presents an overview of the genesis of the beliefs and values about occupational therapy as they emerged in the USA, reviews some of the factors associated with these developments, and questions the professional relevance of the concept of occupation as promulgated in the model of human occupation. Part 1 provides the background: it offers an historical outline of the beginning of occupational therapy in the USA, reflects on the meaning of occupation, and evaluates the concept of occupation as therapy. Part 2 considers the scientific aspects of occupation from a paradigmatic perspective, and concludes with suggesting that the concept of competence, rather than occupation, has provided and will continue to provide the philosophical underpinning for occupational therapy.

Rrt 2 of this article continues the evaluation of philosophical concepts that began In part 1. It concludes by suggesting that the foundation of the profession does not rest on the dictum 'health through occupation' but on the field related to the learning and teaching of skills, and stresses the importance and potential that this field has for the future viability of occupational therapy. In this context, the need for recognising the distinction that exists between the Inherent competence of Individuals, as closed sy&-terns, and their observable behaviour as they openly Interact with the environment Is emphasised.

This paper presents a concise definition of occupational therapy incorporating a theoretical concept which, it is suggested, provides the essential underpinning for the profession. It is further suggested that occupational therapists should become more disciplined in dealing with the health problems of patients. General guidelines considered necessary for effective practice are also outlined.