Fuzzy thinking

J Adv Nurs. 1998 Aug;28(2):274-9. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2648.1998.00793.x.

Abstract

Philosophical analysis is increasingly applied to nursing issues. Whereas pre-analytical discussions might be sloppy, analysis should bring rigour. This paper explores some mistakes and misconceptions concerning nurse-related reasonings. It uses, as a running theme, a recent paper in the Journal of Advanced Nursing by Rolfe. The mistakes and misleadings to be found in the paper are not uncommon; so the paper's correction quest aims more widely than single author critique. The mistakes and misconceptions could initially appear abstract and without practical outcome; in order to avoid the threatened appearance, a nursing case study is presented, displaying some undesirable consequences for a nurse who is misled by her reading. It is hoped that this paper shows how some accuracy may be well leading.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Bias
  • Fuzzy Logic*
  • Humans
  • Nursing Process*
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / psychology
  • Philosophy, Nursing
  • Professional Competence
  • Thinking*