ABSTRACT
Objective:
to present the theoretical perspective of Imre Lakatos, from its Methodology of Scientific Research Programs, and its epistemological evaluation of the Brazilian Postgraduate Nursing Program.
Method:
It is a reflexive analysis, organized into three sections, with the following question: Can the theoretical-philosophical proposition by Imre Lakatos contribute to assess to the Brazilian Postgraduate Nursing Program?
Discussion:
It is assumed that nursing care as a theoretical hypothesis; it presents the basic elements of lakatosian program: the hard core, the protective belt, negative and positive heuristics and its application for evaluation of Brazilian Postgraduate Nursing Program. Program researchers must define and establish the lakatosian basic elements. After 43 years of the creation of the stricto sensu postgraduate programs in Brazil, a critical analysis of its epistemological foundation is necessary.
Conclusion:
the amplification of the evaluation process from the link between quantitative and philosophical in order to judge the Nursing Science is recommended.
DESCRIPTORS:
Nursing; Knowledge; Philosophy; Evaluation of research programs and tools