We describe the results and implications of a literature review that identifies the number of normative and empirical articles, respectively, that have appeared in Nursing Ethics in each year from 1994 to 2017. The results of our analysis suggest a powerful trend away from normative scholarship and toward empirical investigation within the field of nursing ethics, both overall and comparatively. We argue that there are several important negative consequences of this trend, and we propose some potential solutions to address them.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice. Washington, DC: American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008.
MillerFGBrodyH. Professional integrity and physician-assisted death. Hastings Cent Rep1995; 25: 8–11.
10.
QuintelierKVan SpeybroeckLBraeckmanJ. Normative ethics does not need a foundation: It needs more science. Acta Biotheor2011; 59: 29–51.
11.
HumeD. A Treatise of Human Nature. NortonDFNortonMJ (eds) Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 1739/2000.
12.
MooreGE. Principia Ethica. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1903.
13.
WangmoTHauriSGennetE, et al.An update on the “empirical turn” in bioethics: analysis of empirical research in nine bioethics journals. BMC Med Ethics2018; 19(1): 6.
14.
BorryPSchotsmansPDierickxK. The birth of the empirical turn in bioethics. Bioethics2005; 19(1): 49–71.
15.
GoldenbergMJ. Evidence-based ethics? On evidence-based practice and the “empirical turn” from normative bioethics. BMC Med Ethics2005; 6: E11.
