Introduction:

Considering the construction of the state of art, the need to conceptualize the art of care was identified through the following question: Is the nursing care art conceived as a phenomenon of study from the perspective of the nursing theoretical thought? This analysis contributes to the philosophical and aesthetical foundations of nursing teaching and practice so that care acquires the humanistic sense for the professional autonomy.

Development:

Care is analyzed from the vision of some philosophers and theoreticians of nursing in order to contextualize the phenomenon of study; then, the most significant conceptions of the art and aesthetics of care, from Florence Nightingale until Vera Virginia Waldow are described. The Abaggnano conceptions of art as knowledge, practical activity, and sensibility serve as framework to this analysis.

Conclusions:

The art of care is supported by the fundamental conceptions of art, mainly as a practical activity, but also as knowledge and sensibility. Therefore, it can be expressed that the art of care develops from and into an intersubjective relationship: the nurses abstract the reality of the persons, while the persons self-perceive to objectivize their needs. From these interactions, caring actions based on love, respect, and dignity are developed.