[Postmodernism and nursing knowledge development].

Postmodernism is a philosophical and social movement which stresses that ideas are temporary, research data should be considered only in context, reality is transcendent, grand theories are invalid, problems are deconstructed, and findings should have practical value. Manifestations of the postmodern paradigm are reflected in the epistemological shifts of nursing science and knowledge development in the professional community of nurses in Western countries. This article explores the context within which this movement emerged, delineates how it has deconstructed "language" and "subject" to frame a new paradigm and outlines related implications on nursing knowledge development. Both challenges and opportunities face the nursing profession as it evolves into a postmodern paradigm.