Reinstating the 'Queen': understanding philosophical inquiry in nursing

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Philosophy of Nursing

Background:

• Philosophical inquiry has a long history in nursing but is not fully integrated into the field's research.
• There's a need for clear guidance on philosophical inquiry for nursing researchers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the nature and characteristics of philosophical inquiry in nursing.
• To differentiate nursing philosophy from nursing theory.
• To explore if philosophical inquiry can be considered a form of qualitative inquiry.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual clarification and analysis of arguments.
• Examination of ontological, epistemological, and ethical issues in nursing.
• Utilizing intellectual processes like conceptualizing, judging, and reasoning.

Main Results:

• Philosophical inquiry relies on thinking and reasoning, unlike science's investigative methods.
• Key areas include conceptual clarification and analysis of nursing's ontology, epistemology, and ethics.
• Diverse approaches exist, but common tools involve assumptions and intellectual processes within a context of wonder.

Conclusions:

• Neglecting philosophy risks the nursing discipline.
• Guidance is needed for researchers new to philosophical inquiry.
• Integrating philosophical inquiry alongside scientific methods can build robust nursing knowledge.