Power's Presence in Nurse Education

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Science
• Nursing Education
• Sociology of Power

Background:

• The concept of power is multifaceted, with ongoing debate regarding its innate versus acquired nature.
• Historical and philosophical literature offers various perspectives on the origins and acquisition of power.
• Understanding power dynamics is crucial within the nursing educational context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore early philosophical notions of power.
• To examine the role and potential of power within nursing education.
• To integrate Parse's humanbecoming school of thought into discussions of power in academia.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of philosophical texts on power.
• Analysis of nursing educational theories, specifically Parse's humanbecoming.
• Conceptual exploration of power within nursing academia.

Main Results:

• Philosophical discourse reveals a dichotomy between innate and bestowed power.
• Nursing education requires an understanding of power's potential and need for support.
• Parse's humanbecoming theory offers insights into power through its teaching-learning model and principles.

Conclusions:

• Power in nursing academia can be understood through philosophical and theoretical lenses.
• Parse's humanbecoming framework provides a valuable perspective on power dynamics.
• The ultimate power resides in the individual's capacity for choice.