History of Nursing and Philosophy of Science: Early Beliefs to Nursing Theory

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering early beliefs about disease, epistemology, ways of knowing in nursing, theory development, and the role of research and education in nursing.

What were the common beliefs about the causation of disease in early Filipino beliefs?

Disease was caused by another person (an enemy or witch) or evil spirits; healing involved intermediary priest physicians called 'word doctors' and herb doctors called 'Herbolarios'.

Who were the 'word doctors' and the 'Herbolarios' in early beliefs about health?

'Word doctors' were priest physicians who acted as intermediaries in healing; 'Herbolarios' were herbalists who used leaves or roots for treatment.

How is mysticism defined in the notes as it relates to early health beliefs?

Mysticism refers to ecstasy or altered states of consciousness given religious or spiritual meaning, often described as becoming one with God or the Absolute.

What does the term 'superstition' mean in this context?

A widely held but unjustified belief in supernatural causation that influences actions or practices.

Who were the Herbicheros?

Herbmen who practiced witchcraft or used herbs in ways tied to magical or witchcraft practices.

What were 'mangkukulam' or 'mangagaway' believed to do?

They were believed to bewitched people when diseases had no identifiable cause.

What is a mabuting hilot?

The good midwife who is called in during labor.

How was witchcraft influence dispersed during difficult childbirth according to the notes?

Gunpowder was exploded from a bamboo cane near the head of the sufferer to disperse the witches' influence.

Define Rationalism in the philosophy of science.

Emphasizes priori (deductive) reasoning; knowledge advances from theory to research; deduction from cause to effect.

Define Empiricism.

Knowledge derived from sensory experience; popularized by Francis Bacon; uses inductive reasoning from observed facts.

What is inductive reasoning?

Reasoning from specific observations to a general conclusion; premises provide some evidence but do not guarantee the conclusion.

What is deductive reasoning?

Reasoning from a general principle to a specific conclusion; if premises are true, the conclusion is necessarily true.

What does the 'research-then-theory' approach imply?

An approach where research and data collection precede the development of theory; theory is formulated after observing data.

What was the early 20th-century view on science mentioned in the notes?

Positivism; the belief that empirical research and logical analysis produce scientific knowledge, with propositions tested through research.

What is the Epistemology of Nursing?

The study of the origins and nature of nursing knowledge, including ontology (what exists), epistemology (ways of knowing), and methodology (means of acquiring knowledge).

What are the four CARPER ways of knowing in nursing?

Empirics, Ethics, Personal, and Aesthetic.

What is Empirics in nursing?

The science of nursing; knowledge derived from observation and experience, confirmed through the scientific method and various sources like books and journals.

What is Ethics in nursing?

Moral knowledge about right and wrong; guides decisions and practical moral choices in care.

What is Personal knowing in nursing?

Introspective awareness and the therapeutic use of self; planned interactions to alleviate fear, provide information, and support the patient.

What is Aesthetic (art) in nursing?

The art of nursing; knowledge of doing; empathy and individualized, artistry-based care.

What is the main purpose of nursing theory?

To provide structure and organization to nursing knowledge, guide practice, challenge intuition, define the purpose of nursing, and promote coordinated, evidence-based care.

What are metatheories in nursing?

Theories about theories; analysis, description, or evaluation of theory itself.

What are micro-range theories?

Theories that are very concrete and narrow in scope, situation-specific, and focused on particular populations.

What are grand theories?

Broad and complex theories that require further specification through research before full testing.

What are middle-range theories?

Theories with more limited scope that address specific phenomena and reflect practice (administration, clinical, teaching).

What are Descriptive theories?

First level of theory development; describe phenomena, hypothesize why phenomena occur, and describe consequences; also known as factor-isolating theories.

What are Explanatory theories?

Theories that relate factors and describe cause-and-effect relationships between concepts.

What are Predictive theories?

Theories that describe future outcomes under certain conditions; relate concepts to make future predictions.

What are Prescriptive theories?

Intervention-oriented theories that predict the consequences of specific nursing actions and test their validity.

Name two prominent nursing theorists mentioned and their contributions.

Hildegard Peplau (psychodynamic nursing) and Madeleine Leininger (Transcultural Theory in Nursing).

What is Descriptive theory's role in nursing?

Describes phenomena and growth/development; identifies major concepts and clarifies what is being observed.

What is the significance of nursing theory for the discipline?

Supports professional status through education, standardized curricula, doctoral programs, metaparadigms, and theory-based practice guiding reasoning and decision making.

What is the purpose of nursing theory in practice?

To guide practice, generate knowledge, explain nursing, and help nurses understand why they do what they do.