Nursing, between Complexity and Philosophy

Abstract

Nursing is considered today a specific science with its own epistemology identity, far from the ancillary role to which it had been relegated in historical times. This article will explore the connections among philosophy, anthropology and nursing in order to determine the origins of the deep relationship between human needs and the process of nursing care, with its professional knowledge and outcomes. The theory of complexity, the social bound of caring gestures, the different paradigms applied to care practices accordingly to Kuhn will be mentioned and explored. Philosophy could help the professional nurse to establish better relationships with others. Anthropology could guide to understand the cultural habits and boundaries which suggest behaviors, choices, developments in human life as well as and in daily nursing practices. This is the first of a series of 4 articles which will expand specific areas of the mentioned sciences. (nursing)