Toward a complementary perspective on worldviews.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Ontology
• Epistemology

Background:

• Knowledge fragmentation is a recognized issue in nursing science.
• Dominant worldviews often rely on competitive dualities, hindering holistic understanding.
• Existing paradigms may limit the integration of diverse nursing knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a complementary perspective on worldviews as an ontological framework.
• To explore how this framework can address knowledge fragmentation in nursing science.
• To examine the implications for promoting integrative and creative thinking in professional nursing.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of worldviews in nursing science.
• Argumentation for a complementary ontological framework.
• Discussion of implications for nursing practice and education.

Main Results:

• A complementary worldview perspective offers a potential solution to knowledge fragmentation.
• This perspective can facilitate knowledge synthesis by moving beyond dualistic thinking.
• It encourages alternative, integrative, and creative thinking methods.

Conclusions:

• Adopting a complementary ontological framework can enhance nursing science.
• This approach supports the development of more holistic and synthesized nursing knowledge.
• It has significant implications for advancing professional nursing practice and innovation.