Truth in Nursing Inquiry

"This book raises a fundamental and profound epistemological question on the nature of truth in nursing. Simply raising the question is a contribution to the profession . . . this volume with the two previous ones are important texts for the profession in addressing some of the fundamental questions that heretofore have not been addressed." --Pamela Salsberry, The Ohio State University A unique contribution to nursing theory, Truth in Nursing Inquiry clearly depicts the epistemological problems with which nursing as a discipline is struggling, most particularly in regard to the notion of truth in nursing inquiry. Following the success of previous volumes-Developing a Philosophy of Nursing and Philosophic Inquiry in Nursing--contributors contemplate various images of truth that are gaining popularity in nursing and the social sciences as well as more traditional concepts. Together, they give the reader a comprehensive picture of the diversity of notions of truth that predominate in nursing thought. This volume follows the format of the previous volumes and is divided into three parts dealing with the kinds of truth in nursing inquiry such as speculative and prescriptive truth; measures of truth such as the individual, the community or tradition; and expressions of truth such as stoty telling and poetics. Section introductions end with guiding questions that assist readers in identifying and clarifying the issues and concepts being discussed and thus help readers to focus on their own concepts of truth. Advanced students of nursing, intructors, researchers will find Truth in Nursing Inquiry insightful and thought provoking.