In a previous Nursing Science Quarterly article on the state of the science, Taylor, Geden, Isaramalai, and Wongvatunyu (2000) provided a scholarly discussion of Orem's general theory of nursing, the essentials of the self-care deficit nursing theory, and an overview of the philosophical foundations (ontology and epistemology) of moderate realism upon which Orem's theory is founded. They made important statements about the use of terms and concepts from the theory in designing and reporting research. Understanding and correctly using the terms of the theory means using primary sources rather than secondary sources, which are incomplete and may mislead readers by paraphrased definitions. The next step is to review carefully the research using or articles applying the theory for the correctness of use of the concepts, and in selection of appropriate research instruments or practice protocols or guidelines. Research and applications in practice and education, then, would be more meaningful to the development of the nursing theory and to improving care of individuals, families, and communities using evidence-based practice. This author provides an update on Orem-based research.In order to have a fuller, deeper, and richer understanding of the meaning of the theory, this author suggests using a method of hermeneutic interpretation. The goal is to understand the whole theory in context in order to explain what the theory says (sense, through structural analysis) and what the theory is about (reference, through hermeneutics). As suggested by Biggs (1999) following Ricoeur (1975), reading the theory with an openness called semantic autonomy opens one to what the theory is saying without searching for hidden meanings. Hermeneutic interpretation of Orem's theory shows four root or major ideas expressive of the beauty of the world-of-nursing: nursing as a practice discipline; nursing as deliberate action; nursing as a helping, human health service and science; and nursing as self-care of another self.The use of structural analytic methods is closely aligned with what is called the received view of science, whereas hermeneutics is associated with the perceived view of science. These views have been long-standing issues in nursing, especially in deciding on a research design, often divided along the lines of quantitative and qualitative research. There have been attempts, with varying degrees of success, to combine in a single research project the two views of science, the two research traditions, for instance in triangulating, using research procedure and protocols from both views or using multiple instruments. It is important to note that qualitative methods are often associated with theory generation and quantitative with theory testing. Clearer understanding of the philosophical and methodological differences and the possibilities for advancing nursing knowledge development from both perspectives are laudable goals for all nursing research, practice protocols and guidelines, nursing education, and continued theory develop...