Solutions
Political Dimensions of SCDNT
1. Gov is the conduct of others (Foucault)
- aims to influence the possibilities of others to act
- Orem's theory construction fits into 'governmentality'
2. Orem's empirical-analytical approach, the system theoretical
frame, and the concept of instrumental action is compatible with
current nursing practice that is dominated by medicine
(especially within hospitals)
3. The 'status quo' of nursing practice is rather codified than
modified
- the interest in control and command is the core principle of
Orem's theoretical construction
- regular pattern of events --> causality (if X then Y) -->
guidelines for actions
4. In Orem's theory it is clearly perceivable how societal
conditions intervene into the core references of the theory
(pragmatic!)
- concepts of rationality and instrumental action --> structure
and normative orientation for humans --> instrumental action =
economical action
scientific theory
,a set of sentences formulated in a language with a clearly
specified vocabulary and structure
2 basic types of sentences:
1. theoretical principles
2. correspondence rules
What are the 2 basic types of 'sentences' of a scientific theory?
1. theoretical principles
2. correspondence rules
3 components of a theory
1. syntax
2. semantics
3. pragmatics
syntax
considered the grammar of theories: S e P
- S (subject), P (predicate) are used as placeholders for an
innumerable amount of singular cases
- the copula "e" = "is" regulates complex possibilities of
attributions: S is equal to P or S possesses the capacity P
semantics
Relies on two things:
1. phenomenon
, 2. concepts.
Phenomenon = something that exists in 'reality' or something
perceived as existing in reality.
Concept = a linguistic symbol that tries to depict or demarcate
the Phenomenon. The concept outlines the essential,
characteristic traits of the phenomenon; it is a pre-linguistic
mental construct (e.g. the concept of bedsore is the pre-linguistic
idea of 'bedsore' in contrast to the word 'bedsore'.
pragmatics
the practical conditions within society for the theory to be
constructed and address practical consequences and have
practical implications. Pragmatics provides, or attempts to
provide, the balance to the semantics and syntax.
Structure of a theory
Theories - Aristotle
there are a set of consistent (true!) principles (axioms) that make
up a nomological hypothesis
this hypothesis allows for logical deflection and deduction that
lead to theorems
theorems are based on the principles (axioms) which are
descriptions with clear definitions
calculus