title: The Humanbecoming theory as a reinterpretation of the symbolic interactionism: a critique of its specific nature and scientific underpinnings.
abstract: Discussions about real knowledge contained in grand theories and models seem to remain an active quest in the academic sphere. The most fervent of these defendants is Rosemarie Parse with her Humanbecoming School of Thought (1981, 1998). This article first highlights the similarities between Parse's theory and Blumer's symbolic interactionism (1969). This comparison will act as a counterargument to Parse's assertions that her theory is original 'nursing' material. Standing on the contemporary philosophy of science, the very possibility for discovering specific nursing knowledge will be questioned. Second, Parse's scientific assumptions will be thoroughly addressed and contrasted with Blumer's more moderate view of knowledge. It will lead to recognize that the valorization of the social nature of existence and reality does not necessarily induce requirements and methods such as those proposed by Parse. According to Blumer's point of view, her perspective may not even be desirable. Recommendations will be raised about the necessity for a distanced relationship to knowledge, being the key to the pursuit of its improvement, not its circular contemplation.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tapp
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, CHU of Quebec-Laval University Research Center, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
authors.forename: Mireille
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lavoie
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D012586:Science
keywords: Humanbecoming theory; discipline of nursing; nursing knowledge; nursing theories; philosophy of science; symbolic interactionism