Critical posthumanism: A double-edged sword for advancing nursing knowledge in planetary health

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Philosophy
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Planetary health necessitates decentering the human and incorporating environmental justice.
• Critical posthumanism offers a philosophical framework for non-anthropocentric perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of critical posthumanism for nurses engaged in planetary health.
• To explore adaptations of critical posthumanism for nursing practice and environmental concerns.

Main Methods:

• Critical analysis of critical posthumanism using Chinn and colleagues' theory analysis method.
• Inclusion of diverse academic and video sources.
• Framing the discussion within the five ways of knowing in nursing.

Main Results:

• Critical posthumanism provides a valuable lens to move beyond human-centric healthcare.
• The theory's lack of clarity and inaccessibility present significant challenges.
• Adaptation is necessary to enhance its application in nursing and planetary health.

Conclusions:

• Critical posthumanism can be adapted to aid nurses in understanding and addressing environmental issues linked to human health.
• Integrating critical posthumanism with nursing knowledge enhances nurses' capacity for planetary health advocacy.
• Addressing the theory's accessibility is crucial for its effective implementation in practice.