NUR4204

Philosophical inquiry in nursing

Ms J Oates (Peninsula); Ms J Grubb (Gippsland)

6 points · 12 hours per week (4 contact hours; 8 study hours) · Second semester · Gippsland and Peninsula

Objectives At the completion of this subject the student shall be expected to explore schools of philosophical thought in Western and Eastern tradition; critically explore the influences of dominant philosophies of science on nursing science and knowledge development; examine contemporary issues in philosophical thought and their implications for the discipline and practice of nursing; evaluate nurse scholars' contribution to philosophical inquiry; engage in philosophical debate about contemporary issues.

Synopsis This subject provides students with the opportunity to critically explore major philosophies that have influenced the history and development of nursing as a discipline. In particular, students explore the traditions of Western thought and trace the emergence of Eastern thought as a force in nursing epistemology. Student participation is maximised through seminars in which issues such as analytical empiricism, feminist critical theory, hermeneutic phenomenology, critical social theory, environmental philosophy, moral philosophy and religious thought are raised.

Assessment Written assignment (4000 words): 60% · Seminar: 40%

Prescribed texts

Reading list provided

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