Philosophy and science of the nursing Section: History and Fundamentals of Nursing How to quote Vázquez Calatayud M. Filosofía y ciencia de la disciplina enfermera. Metas de Enferm oct 2011; 14(8): 67-70 AuthorsMónica Vázquez Calatayud Position Enfermera. Máster en Ciencias de Enfermería por la Universidad de Navarra. Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona. Contact address Área de Desarrollo Profesional y Formación en Enfermería. Clínica Universidad de Navarra. Avda. Pío XII, 36. 31008 Pamplona. Contact email: mvazca@unav.e Abstract To promote the development of the nursing discipline it is not only necessary to acquire the body of nursing knowledge but it is also necessary to be aware of the importance of increasing professional self-esteem and to adequately value the care actions of individuals to make progress towards a more humanised care and the endowing social recognition. This recognition must be generated from within, from the very core of the discipline. This paper depicts a brief reflexion on the nature of the philosophy of nursing. Firstly, the concept of “Philosophy of Nursing” is defined and the different approaches are analysed. Next, the essence and the values inherent to nursing are described. Lastly, a look into the knowledge and development of the nursing discipline is taken in order to explain that not only epistemological issues should be valued regarding knowledge but also ontological questions concerning the meaning, the being, and reality. Keywords: knowledge; Nursing discipline; Philosophy of Nursing; research Versión en Español Título: Filosofía y ciencia de la disciplina enfermera