THE NATURE OF NURSING KNOWLEDGE: REFLECTIONS FOR A DEBATE ON A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF CARE PROVISION

Abstract

The nursing knowledge generated from nursing science needs to be analyzed through the ontological and epis-temological questions that arise from the philosophical thinking process. These questions can help clarify relevant aspects of the scientific inquiry on which nursing practice bases its knowledge of care provision. This paper discusses, in the context of philosophical reflection in Spanish-speaking countries, three premises by which nursing science should be more interpretative rather than explanatory, and the consequences that would arise for the purpose of nursing knowledge.