The Impact of Philosophical Trends in Science on the Development of Nursing Knowledge and Advanced Practice
Introduction
As a discipline dedicated to caring for individuals across the lifespan, nursing has its own unique body of knowledge. This knowledge is not static; it has evolved and continues to evolve, shaped by various factors, including historical trends in the philosophy of science. This discussion delves into the intricate dialogue between these two realms, exploring how different philosophical stances have impacted the development of nursing theories and research in advanced nursing practice.
Early Foundations: Positivism and the Quest for Objectivity
The early 20th century saw the rise of logical positivism, emphasizing objectivity, empiricism, and the scientific method as the sole arbiters of reliable knowledge. This philosophy strongly influenced early nursing scholarship. Nursing theories, like Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory, sought to identify objective relationships between environmental factors and patient outcomes.1 Research methods focused on quantitative data collection and hypothesis testing, mirroring the positivist paradigm. While this approach led to the development of evidence-based practice and standardized interventions, it often overlooked the subjective experience of patients and the complexity of healthcare contexts.
The Shift Towards Interpretivism: Valuing Subjectivity
By the mid-20th century, critiques of positivism emerged, paving the way for interpretive philosophy. This approach highlighted the subjective nature of human experience and the importance of understanding meaning from the individual’s perspective. In nursing, this shift manifested in the emergence of phenomenological and ethnographic research methods that explored patients’ lived experiences of illness and healthcare.2 Nursing theories like Dorothy Orem’s Self-Care Theory and Sister Callista Roy’s Adaptation Model also emphasized patient autonomy and participation in care, reflecting the interpretive shift. This era laid the foundation for holistic care and patient-centered practice.
Postmodernism and Deconstructing Power Structures
In the late 20th century, they witnessed the rise of postmodernism, challenging grand narratives and questioning the neutrality of scientific knowledge.3 This perspective profoundly impacted nursing, prompting critical examinations of healthcare power structures and inequalities. Nurse scholars began to analyze how social and cultural factors influence illness experiences and access to care. Theories like Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert Model and Ann Parse’s Human Becoming Theory focused on the dynamic nature of personhood and the complex relationships between individuals, their health, and their sociocultural contexts. This shift encouraged nurses to advocate for social justice and address the holistic needs of their patients.3
Contemporary Landscape: A Pluralistic Perspective
Current trends in the philosophy of science embrace pluralism, recognizing the value of diverse epistemologies and methodologies. This is reflected in contemporary nursing research, which utilizes a multifaceted approach. Quantitative and qualitative methods co-exist, offering a comprehensive understanding of complex clinical phenomena.4 Nursing theories draw from various philosophical traditions, integrating positivist objectivity with interpretive subjectivity and even postmodern insights into power dynamics. Advanced nursing practice thrives on this rich theoretical and methodological tapestry, enabling nurses to deliver individualized, evidence-based, and socially conscious care.
Challenges and Future Directions
The evolving dialogue between the philosophy of science and nursing knowledge presents challenges and opportunities. One challenge lies in integrating diverse and potentially conflicting research methodologies. Another concern is effectively translating evidence-based knowledge into patient-centred care practices. The continued engagement with diverse philosophical perspectives can further strengthen nursing as a discipline. Exploring feminist, ecological, and postcolonial theories has the potential to illuminate marginalized experiences and inform culturally competent care practices.5 In this regard, nurses and scholars must continue to critically reflect on their knowledge base, embracing complexity and new ways of knowing and practising to navigate the ever-changing healthcare landscape effectively.
Conclusion
Historical trends in the philosophy of science have significantly shaped the development of nursing knowledge, influencing theory building, research methodologies, and, ultimately, the essence of nursing practice. From the initial quest for objectivity to embracing subjectivity and recognizing power structures, each philosophical shift has left its mark. Moving forward, embracing a pluralistic approach that acknowledges the value of diverse epistemologies and methodologies will be crucial for advancing nursing knowledge and ensuring the delivery of holistic, evidence-based, and socially responsible care.
References
Yip JYC. Theory-Based Advanced Nursing Practice: A Practice Update on the Application of Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory. SAGE Open Nursing. 2021;7:237796082110119. doi:10.1177/23779608211011993
Burns M, Peacock S. Interpretive phenomenological methodologists in nursing: A critical analysis and comparison. Nursing Inquiry. 2019;26(2):e12280. doi:10.1111/nin.12280
Petrovskaya O. Nursing Theory, Postmodernism, Post-Structuralism, and Foucault. Taylor & Francis; 2022.
Fawcett J. Thoughts About the Metaparadigm of Nursing: Contemporary Status and Recommendations for Evolution. Nursing Science Quarterly. 2023;36(3):303-305. doi: 10.1177/08943184231169770
Reed PG. Standpoint Epistemology and Nursing Science. Nursing Science Quarterly. 2021;35(1):41-45. doi:10.1177/08943184211051361
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Question 
Discussion Board #2 (Historical Trends) – Discussion Board 5
IN AMA FORMAT, PLEASE!!!!
How have historical trends in the philosophy of science influenced the development of nursing knowledge in terms of theory building and research in advanced nursing practice?
The Impact of Philosophical Trends in Science on the Development of Nursing Knowledge and Advanced Practice
Each Discussion Question post MUST be in a comprehensive, scholarly format, use correct AMA 11th Ed., and must have references. Points will be deducted if the correct format is not adhered to.