This paper introduces a new column in the Journal for the exploration of and reflection on the roles and articulations of theory in the health professions education sciences. This introduction provides initial orientation to concepts such as theory as worldview, theory linked to empiricism and paradigm, and theory and reflexivity. The authors invite scholars to submit papers that explore the role of theory in HPE scholarship, that propose new and adapted theoretical positions, and that critique the many theories that might be brought to bear to address questions in the field.
Keywords: Empiricism; Paradigm; Theory; Worldview.