title: Evolutionary idealism: a philosophical foundation for holistic nursing theory.
abstract: The philosophical tradition of evolutionary idealism is explored as an appropriate metaphysical foundation for holistic nursing science. Some implications of this tradition for theory development, testing, and practice are identified. It is suggested that evolutionary idealism can form an appropriate philosophical foundation for nursing theory development.
mesh_terms: D005075:Biological Evolution; D003243:Consciousness; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D008678:Metaphysics; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010684:Philosophy