The necessity for and evolution of multiple paradigms for nursing research

Viewing a phenomenon from a point beyond its boundaries permits a clearer understanding of it. The evolution of two paradigms, or world views, for nursing research--logical positivism and phenomenology/hermeneutics--is viewed by the author from a perspective beyond either paradigm. That perspective is poststructuralism, a philosophy developed to transcend the limitations of traditional philosophy and to encourage unique thought to develop. Using the ideas of Foucault, a poststructuralist philosopher, the author discusses power/knowledge and discipline as a backdrop for nursing's significant and growing acceptance of multiple paradigms for the conduct of research.