Nursing Philosophy: Relativism, Obscurantism, and Nihilism

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Relativism
Obscurantism
Nihilism
Prejudice
Conclusion
References

Introduction

The philosophy of nursing suggests that nurses have the obligation to use their knowledge for the well-being of patients. This paper seeks to show the effect of relativism, obscurantism and nihilism on this philosophy. Moreover, it will focus on the benefits of prejudices to personal philosophy.

Relativism

The concept of relativism suggests that the opinions of people do not have absolute validity (Critchley, 2001). It asserts that the views vary according to individual perception and beliefs. In addition, it directs that life does not have absolute truths or morals.

The concept of relativism has a direct impact to the philosophy of nursing. In this light, it suggests that humility and patience are relative. Therefore, the philosophy of nursing cannot define the two values in an absolute manner. As a result, various nurses will define and understand them differently.

For example, a nurse might be unable to distinguish between humility for a child and a mature patient. Therefore, the concept of relativism poses a crucial challenge to the entire philosophy. In reference to the concept of relativism, philosophy becomes virtual and relative.

Obscurantism

Obscurantism is a concept that prevents the revelation of knowledge to people. It purports the retention of full details about something or somebody.

The philosophy of nursing is impacted by obscurantism significantly. In this light, it hinders the operation of nurses that require a nurse to teach the patients about what is happening in their bodies (Dahnke & Dreher, 2011).

Therefore, it asserts that nurses should retain some information in exceptional circumstances as opposed to the philosophy. For example, a nurse who reveals that a patient has an incurable disease might induce psychological illness.

Therefore, obscurantism requires the nurse to hide some information about the disease and disclose later. In this light, obscurantism aims at improving the effectiveness of the philosophy.

Nihilism

Nihilism is a concept that negates the existence of values in life. It argues that life does not have values, morals or purpose. Therefore, it implies that life does not have the standard and absolute way of doing things. The concept subjects the component of life to change and improvement according to individuals.

On the other hand, the philosophy attempts to lay down the standards and guidelines of nursing (Klemke, Hollinger, & Kline, 1998). Therefore, the two doctrines raise professional controversy. The concept of nihilism restricts the philosophy to lay down the standards of professional conduct and behavior.

In addition, it weakens the philosophy by creating a feeling of despair. This despair is portrayed when the nurses perceive the lack of laws and norms governing the profession.

Prejudice

Prejudice is the act of making a preconceived judgement about a case. Apparently, assumptions are vital in propagating identities and other aspects of nursing. Matters of urgency require application of the available loops to reveal an idea.

For instance, if an individual under critical condition is brought to a hospital in an identifiable condition, prejudice assists in telling whether s/he is a Caucasian or an African (Klemke, Hollinger & Kline, 1998). This prejudice could be critical in matters of life and death or urgency.

In other cases, prejudice provides the first glance idea about a case allowing further factual techniques. The prejudice creates a lead to other findings that are supported by the fact. During childbirth, white Americans have a high risk of giving birth to children with immune syndromes.

However, native Indians do not pose any immune disorders related to the children. Therefore, in critical situations prejudice could be used to save lives of the mother and their children. Taking necessary precautions would therefore be vital in this case.

Conclusion

The essay explains how the three concepts affect the philosophy of nursing. In addition, it has made a positive approach to prejudice. Lastly, it has provided an example of how prejudice can be used for diagnosis.

References

Critchley, S. (2001). Continental philosophy: a very short introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Dahnke, M. D., & Dreher, H. M. (2011). Philosophy of science for nursing practice: concepts and application. New York: Springer Pub..

Klemke, E. D., Hollinger, R., & Kline, A. D. (1998). Introductory readings in the philosophy of science. Buffalo, N.Y.: Prometheus Books.

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