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Alternatives to natural science foundations for nursing
1Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
International Journal of Nursing Studies
|January 1, 1990
Summary
This study examines philosophical assumptions in humanistic nursing, arguing for a more scientific, phenomenological approach. It calls for integrating holistic and humanistic nursing with established scientific principles.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Philosophy
- Philosophy of Science
- Holistic Nursing
Background:
- Current humanistic and holistic nursing approaches lack systematic philosophical scrutiny.
- This gap potentially positions nursing as anti-scientific or irrational.
- Traditional medical practice relies heavily on natural science principles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically examine the philosophical assumptions underpinning humanistic and holistic nursing.
- To explore the origins and impact of these assumptions on nursing theory, education, and practice.
- To advocate for a more robust, scientifically grounded approach to nursing.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis of underlying assumptions in humanistic and holistic nursing.
- Tracing the origins of these assumptions.
- Surveying their influence on nursing theory, education, and practice.
- Defining 'positivism' as knowledge derived from observable, quantifiable data.
Main Results:
- Identified unexamined philosophical assumptions in humanistic and holistic nursing.
- Demonstrated the impact of these assumptions on nursing's scientific standing.
- Highlighted the contrast between humanistic/holistic nursing and natural science principles.
- Positivism defined as knowledge through empirical measurement and quantification.
Conclusions:
- Nursing requires systematic scrutiny of its philosophical underpinnings.
- A call for consolidating nursing practice with phenomenological and humanistic alternatives.
- Integration of humanistic and scientific principles is crucial for nursing's advancement.