Article: PDF OnlyEvolutionary idealism a philosophical foundation for holistic nursing theorySarter, Barbara RN, PhD, CS Author Information Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California Advances in Nursing Science: January 1987 - Volume 9 - Issue 2 - p 1-9 Buy Abstract The philosophical tradition of evolutionary idealism is explored as an appropriate metaphysical foundation for holistic nursing science. Some implications of this tradition for theory development, testing, and practice are identified. It is suggested that evolutionary idealism can form an appropriate philosophical foundation for nursing theory development. © 1987 Aspen Publishers, Inc.