Which philosophical foundation relies on the idea that the collection of facts precedes attempts to formulate generalizations?

Empiricism is the philosophical foundation that emphasizes the importance of observation and experience in the formation of knowledge. It posits that knowledge is primarily gained through sensory experience and that the collection of facts through observation comes before any attempt to develop theories or generalizations. Empiricists argue that understanding the world relies on direct experience and experimentation, rather than intuition or abstract reasoning.

In nursing practice, this foundation is particularly significant as it underlies evidence-based practice, where clinical decisions are driven by data obtained from observations and research findings. The reliance on collected evidence ensures that nursing practices are grounded in solid, observable realities, enabling effective patient care.

The other philosophical foundations, while valuable in their own right, do not prioritize the collection of facts in the same manner. Rationalism focuses on reason and logical deduction rather than empirical evidence as the source of knowledge. Postmodernism challenges the concept of objective knowledge and often criticizes the validity of generalizations derived from collected facts. Critical Theory emphasizes the social and political contexts of knowledge production, aiming more towards understanding power structures than focusing on empirical observation alone.