title: Edwards, Benner and Wrubel on caring.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explain the difficult Heideggerian concept of the ontological difference and then use it as a context to explain the misperceptions of Benner and Wrubel's reply to Edwards' criticism of the differences between ontological and intentional care.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Edwards' paper attempts to clarify what Benner and Wrubel actually mean by the category of ontological care. The latter's reply totally bypasses Edwards' criticisms because they have a misunderstanding of Heidegger's philosophy, which they use to support their arguments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Benner and Wrubel's claims that they are using Heidegger to underpin their arguments is wrong. This has the consequence that their category of ontological caring comes tumbling down and their philosophy is not as radical as they think it is.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Salford, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Horrocks
mesh_terms: D004645:Empathy; D005086:Existentialism / Q000266:history*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing / Q000266:history*; D012649:Self Concept