ABSTRACT
The previous chapter has analysed the concept of autonomy from a variety of perspectives. It is clear from the literature that while there is much philosophical conceptual clarification of autonomy, little attempt has been made to understand the concept from a ‘practical’ perspective; thence there is a lack of clarity about the practical discourse of autonomy. This chapter, outlines the approach adopted in the research presented in this book in order to determine a practical discourse of autonomy with nurses working with older people. It is set against the background of the philosophical and societal challenges identified in previous chapters.
