This course begins with an exploration of the philosophical underpinnings of scientific inquiry in nursing and related health sciences. Students will engage with philosophical traditions that provide varied perspectives on how we generate knowledge (what is referred to as “ways of knowing” or, more formally, epistemology). The course examines current debates reflecting different ways of knowing from traditions such as rationalism, empiricism, pragmatism, interpretative, critical social theory, and structuralism.
Building on this foundation of philosophical perspectives, influential theoretical frameworks used in nursing and health sciences research are introduced, including theories developed in the social, biobehavioral, and population health sciences.
The goal of this course is to establish formative knowledge in the philosophy of science, its relationship to theory-informed research, and its application to students' specific research interests. In addition, students will develop skills in logical argumentation to develop sound scientific justifications. This fosters a deeper understanding of nursing and healthcare practices and research in a diverse and evolving societal context.