Isabel Maitland Stewart's philosophy of education

Isabel Maitland Stewart developed the first course dealing specifically with the teaching of nursing. The purpose of this study was to determine the essential principles of Stewart's philosophy of general and nursing education and to determine the significance and influence of John Dewey on her philosophy. Documents were collected, classified, and examined using content analysis. Quotations from Stewart's writings were categorized according to the nature of man; standards; means, ends, and goals; learning; and education. These were examined topically and from the standpoint of their identification with contemporary philosophical thought, particularly pragmatism. Conclusions are based on the interpretation of Stewart's direct statements. She was progessivist and utilitarian in her ethical view. Such a philosophy is closely allied with pragmatism and, more specifically, pragmatic realism.