Philosophical Foundations of Nursing Science
Summary
The philosophical underpinnings of nursing science encompass questions of what constitutes reality in health and care (ontology), how knowledge is generated and validated (epistemology) and the values guiding professional practice (axiology). At its core lies the nursing metaparadigm, which articulates the interrelated domains of person, environment, health and nursing. Over time, multiple paradigms—ranging from empiricism and phenomenology to critical theory—have shaped the discipline, fostering dynamic debate and innovation. The articulation of mid-range theories has bridged abstract conceptual models and clinical practice, enabling targeted interventions and measurable outcomes. A growing recognition of nursing as both an art and a science has prompted scholars to examine patterns of knowing—empirical, ethical, aesthetic and personal—and to explore how these inform holistic, patient-centred care. Globally, philosophical reflection underpins efforts to strengthen nursing education, refine professional identity and integrate evidence into policy and practice. By interrogating assumptions about health, humanity and care, nursing science continues to evolve as a coherent, values-driven field that addresses complex challenges in diverse settings.
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Philosophical Foundations of Nursing Science publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in philosophical foundations of nursing science across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Epistemology: Study of the nature, sources and validation of knowledge within a discipline.
Metaparadigm: Set of core concepts that define the scope and focus of nursing science—namely person, environment, health and nursing.
Paradigm: Overarching framework of beliefs and assumptions that guides research, theory development and practice in a field.
Mid-range theory: Level of theoretical abstraction that links empirical observations with broader conceptual models to inform practice and research.
References
- Trends and Hotspots in Nursing Theory Research Published from 1990 to 2022: A Web of Science‐Based Bibliometric Analysis. Journal of Nursing Management (2024).
- Doctoral Contribution to Nursing Science in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Document Review. Nursing Science Quarterly (2023).
- Kuhn's revolutionary theory and its influence on the construction of nursing knowledge. Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem (2009).
- Developing Mid-Range Theories for the Maturation of Nursing Care in Colombia. Aquichan (2021).
- The effects of philosophic components on nursing education. New Trends and Issues Proceedings on Humanities and Social Sciences (2017).
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