Towards a philosophic theory of nursing
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Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
1Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. june.kikuchi@ualberta.ca
Abstract:
Recently, Edwards and Liaschenko questioned the validity of an argument put forward by Dr Søren Holm and Joseph Dunne concerning the impossibility of a theory of nursing. Taking into consideration the premises of the argument, I describe how Maritain's conception of philosophy allows for the possibility of a theory of nursing conceived as a philosophy of nursing art that is both practical and propositional in nature. As well, I identify how the philosophy of nursing art guides nursing art in developing and applying other kinds of artistic practical nursing knowledge: artistic nursing rules and artistic prudential nursing judgements. Finally, the relationship of ethical knowledge to artistic practical nursing knowledge is set down.
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