Beyond norm-critique: A phenomenological and natural law approach to human dignity in nursing education

This discussion paper responds to recent calls for norm-critical and norm-creative pedagogy in nursing education. While acknowledging the importance of addressing healthcare inequalities and recognising the value of lived experience and embodiment, the paper argues that norm-critical approaches lack empirical foundation, internal consistency and ontological depth. Drawing on phenomenology and classical natural law theory, the paper proposes an alternative ethical framework rooted in human nature. By integrating relational experience with a teleological understanding of the human person, nursing education can foster a more grounded, coherent and enduring approach to human dignity, ethical reflection, and social justice.