Interpreting Posthumanism with Nurse Work (original) (raw)

Journal of Posthuman Studies

Abstract

We argue that nurse work can illustrate posthuman theory, and we suggest that posthuman theory may have applications for the development of nurse work and care. We aim to contribute to philosophical conversations by making nurse work an accessible way to talk about posthumanism. First, we mobilise the humanistic perspective underlying nurse work. We draw attention to tensions in nurse work that are linked with humanistic thinking to make a case for the reconfiguration of nurse work with posthumanism. Next, we suggest how posthumanism may add to the understanding of nurse work. We do so in a first step by distinguishing posthumanism from transhumanism. In a second step, laying out three key features of posthumanism: all matter is one, monism and sympoiesis. We explore practical examples of nurse work with posthumanism to show theory in action and ways in which posthumanism can deterritorialise nurse work from humanism. Third, we look at what implications posthuman philosophy could have in nursing. In framing nursing and care practices in ways that do not necessarily have the human at the centre, we begin to create new possibilities for understanding nurse work.

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