Living paradox in Parse's theory

Paradox has been of interest to humankind since ancient times. More than a decade ago Rosemarie Rizzo Parse specified paradoxical patterns of human relating in her nursing theory man-living-health. Since that time there has been increasing recognition by nurse researchers that paradox is an inherent aspect of human experience and an important dimension of health. The purpose of this article is to describe the phenomenon of living paradox as an inherent aspect of human experience and health. The author explores the historical development of paradox, along with its various forms and uses. Living paradox is defined as a rhythmical shifting of views, the awareness of which arises through experiencing the contradiction of opposites in the day-to-day relating of value priorities while journeying to the not-yet. The author demonstrates that living paradox as specified in Parse's theory of human becoming (formerly man-living-health) is a significant contribution to nursing and human science.