FROM CARPER PATTERNS OF KNOWING TO WAYS OF BEING - AN ONTOLOGICAL PHILOSOPHICAL SHIFT IN NURSING

Carper's 1978 article in the premiere issue of Advances in Nursing Sci ence encouraged nurses to consider four fundamental patterns of knowin g. Through illustrations from literature and the performing arts, the authors address Carper's patterns of knowing in the context of an emer ging philosophical shift. First, they critique the major strengths and limitations of the article. Next, they explore an emerging philosophi cal shift in nursing from Carper's epistemological focus to ontologica l reflections on ways of being. Finally, they discuss the significance of the emerging philosophical shift and the ways of being for the sci ence-art of nursing.