Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the metaphysical and epistemological foundations of Orem's self-care deficit nursing theory . Two conceptual problems were addressed: the lack of explicitness of the philosophical position regarding the nature of human beings that is foundational to the SCDNT and the absence of discussion and direction related to the identification of research methods appropriate for knowledge development within the SCDNT. ;In order to answer the inquiry questions, a method of philosophical inquiry was developed and utilized to explicate the philosophical underpinnings of Orem's model. This approach involved the critical examination and analysis of Orem's work as well as the work of authors whom Orem cites. ;Through the use of the developed philosophical inquiry method, the position regarding the nature of human beings that is foundational to Orem's SCDNT was explicated. This foundational position is the view of human beings as dynamic, unitary beings who exist in their environments, who are in the process of becoming, and who possess free-will as well as other essential human qualities. This view reflects the influence of moderate realism, a type of realism generally associated with Aristotelian Thomism. ;Orem's views regarding nursing science where also explicated. Orem identifies nursing as a practical science and a set of applied sciences. Within moderate realism, practical sciences are distinguished from theoretical sciences. They are concerned with bringing about practical results. The cognitive aims or goals of the SCDNT as well as the knowledge needed to develop the practical science of nursing related to the SCDNT are consistent with the position that nursing knowledge is developed in order to provide direction for nursing practice. ;With regard to the appropriateness of research methods for the development of the practical science of nursing related to the SCDNT, the compatibility between Orem's model and the empiricism, interpretive, and critical theory research paradigms was examined. Areas of compatibility and incompatibility were identified. Based upon an analysis of the usefulness of research methods within these three paradigms for the generation of knowledge related to the SCDNT, specific methods were suggested for the development of practical nursing science