In Search of Nursing Science

This important book analyzes the major schools of thought in contemporary Western science in order to arrive at a philosophy (or philosophies) of science consistent with the discipline of nursing.

After examining traditional empiricist views of science, the contributors focus on the schools of thought that challenge them. Next, they introduce postmodern schools of thought including feminism, phenomenology, critical theory and poststructuralism.

Each analytic discussion is followed by a chapter exploring how particular tenets of the school have influenced the development of nursing knowledge and nursing science.

In the field of nursing, which schools of philosophical thought have the greatest influence? Does any one philosophical school dominate, or has nursing been shaped by the interplay of various philosophical tenets?

In Search of Nursing Science provides an incisive analysis of modern theories currently influencing and challenging the field of nursing. Contributors explore and offer their insights on such diverse philosophical schools as empiricism, feminism, phenomenology, hermeneutics, critical theory, and poststructuralism. Each philosophic school is carefully explored and its relationship to - and influences on - the past, present, and future of nursing are considered. Addressing a variety of issues central to the advancement of nursing science, this expansive work will be a critical tool for professionals and academics alike.

"This book provides an excellent introduction to very complex and diverse material . . . . Particularly valuable is the way various philosophical perspectives have been used in nursing research and practice. The book is highly recommended for nurse scholars and researchers and may be considered essential for doctoral-level theory courses."

--Doody′s Nursing Book Review Home Page

"This book is unique in that its contributors--nurse-scientists, educators, and philosophers--present discussions of a variety of philosophical approaches that have influenced the evolution of nursing practice, education, and research . . . . it serves as an excellent resource for doctoral students in nursing."

--Choice

"Nursing has long needed a single sourcebook that sets forth the essence of several philosophic positions concerning the nature of its science. In Search of Nursing Science fulfills that need. Additionally, it provides a historical perspective that will be helpful to graduate students and other nursing scholars in determining which of an array of philosophic positions they prefer."

--Rozella M. Schlotfeldt, Case Western Reserve University