Within philosophy it is recognised that Immanuel Kant provided a means by which the rationalists and empricists can be reconciled. Some background:
In philosophy, rationalism is the epistemological view that "regards reason as the chief source and test of knowledge"[1] or "the position that reason has precedence over other ways of acquiring knowledge",[2] often in contrast to other possible sources of knowledge such as faith, tradition, or sensory experience. More formally, rationalism is defined as a methodology or a theory "in which the criterion of truth is not sensory but intellectual and deductive".[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rationalism
In philosophy, empiricism is an epistemological view which holds that true knowledge or justification comes only or primarily from sensory experience and empirical evidence.[1] It is one of several competing views within epistemology, along with rationalism and skepticism. Empiricists argue that empiricism is a more reliable method of finding the truth than purely using logical reasoning, because humans have cognitive biases and limitations which lead to errors of judgement.[2] Empiricism emphasizes the central role of empirical evidence in the formation of ideas, rather than innate ideas or traditions.[3] Empiricists may argue that traditions (or customs) arise due to relations of previous sensory experiences.[4]
Historically, empiricism was associated with the "blank slate" concept (tabula rasa), according to which the human mind is "blank" at birth and develops its thoughts only through later experience.[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empiricism
If health and social care, must be evidence-based, then as far as Hodges' model is concerned we are then duty-bound to use the most readily available 'evidence' to us, including (while taking liberties?):
- The structure of national health and social care organisations (NHS, DHSS ...)
- Physical infrastructure
- Human Resources Organisation
- Unions and Labour relations
- Texbooks, journal papers, conferences
- Organisational structures from the regional to the local
- Professional bodies and governance of licensing/registration
- Curricula that students follow^
- Models, frameworks, teaching and learning tools and methods
- Data, statistics, information and reporting (national, international)
- Research projects ongoing (whatever scale, methods, methodology)
- Accounts from lived experience of patients, carers and public (^and students)
- Policy
- Funding
- Law relating to Health and Social Care
- Public (Mental) Health? Discuss
- Media (Social) Control, Advertising
- . . .
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| Hodges' model: Structure and Content |
Using this evidence, we still see the Cartesian divide, the mind-body distinction writ large in health and social care. The continuing impact is evident in theory, practice, (hence) lived experience, policy and managment. Since its creation in the 1980s, Hodges' model mirrors (literally) this philosophical, epistemological and ontological legacy, thereby acknowledging the ancient history of medicine, and 'modern' development of healthcare and nursing. Through this device, Hodges' model can facilitate debate, critique, reflection, and critical thinking; to encourage progress in our thought, motivations, action and subsequent evaluation.
This explains the structure of Hodges' model and predicts the range (contextual signature) of content when the model is applied.
Evidence permitting of course!
See also: BBC The Great Philosophers:
Series 1: 4. Descartes
Series 1: 5. Spinoza and Leibniz
Series 1: 8. Kant
n.b. I video taped this marvellous series when first screened. When studying for my BA(Hons), audio taped, they also provided a great learning resource in the car. The programmes are on BBC 4 (UK) once again, but are readily accessible.
orcid.org/0000-0002-0192-8965
