Contemporary chiropractic philosophy finds its roots in the dynamics of the mind-body struggle.  It recognizes and respects the power of the unknown, accepts the limits of science, but also recognizes the role that critical scientific inquiry plays in the acquisition of new knowledge.  This philosophy provides a clear identity for chiropractic art and science.  Chiropractic philosophy has no fear of acceptance by or absorption into the mainstream; rather, it seeks integration into the greater world of philosophy and science, encouraging social acceptance and duly deserved benefits.

Contemporary chiropractic philosophy embraces the best of old and new.  It is a blend of experience, conviction, critical thinking, openmindedness, and appreciation of the natural order of things.  It is composed of the tangible, testable principle that structure affects function, and the untestable, metaphorical recognition that life is self-sustaining and the doctor’s aim is to foster the establishment and maintenance of an organism-environment dynamic that is the most conducive to functional well-being.

Contemporary chiropractic philosophy recognizes that it is a part of the greater body of philosophy and science in general.  It distinguishes between what is known and what is believed.  It embraces the holistic paradigm of wellness while insisting on deterministic materialism for he establishment of valid chiropractic principles.  It understands that the role of a philosophical foundation is to be the beacon for theoretical development.   And it holds the patient’s best interest as primary.  Chiropractic will make its contributions to the further elucidation of the mind-body conflict and the holism-materialism debate as will the other fields within the sciences and arts.  Yet it recognizes that this is primarily the domain of philosophy at large.  Chiropractic philosophy teaches that failure to fill the void of knowledge within its own discipline carries the greatest risk that this void will be filled by scientists outside the profession who would then have a legitimate claim to chiropractic theory and practice.

Any health-care system works to serve the individual patient.  As Strang (1980) pointed out in a lecture at Palmer College of Chiropractic in May 1980, the original franchise of any profession, by definition, is to put itself out of business.  As dentistry succeeds in purpose, we will have a world without cavities and gum disease, and a world with little use for the dentist.  Chiropractic must not lose sight of its original franchise.  Disease prevention and health promotion through structural integrity and harmony with the environment are chiropractic’s purpose.  We have a long way to go.

Haldeman, Scott. Principles and Practice of Chiropractic. 2nd ed. Norwalk: Appleton & Lange, 1992.