Scott Batten

CP 1102
Monday, September 21st, 2015.
Philosophy of Science: What does it mean? What is meant by health care being a Science, a Philosophy
and an Art? Unique philosophy of Chiropractic
The word philosophy can be used in a variety of ways in the profession of chiropractic. The
role of a chiropractor varies widely as their are no guidelines that they must follow when they get into
practice. Philosophy is a personal set of beliefs that a person believes to be the right way of doing
things1. I believe we are learning about the role of philosophy in chiropractic to further our
understanding that every chiropractor is different and may have their own way of helping a patient.
Some chiropractors choose to carry on traditional ways of doing things while others try and incorporate
new techniques into their practices. Although we get similar schooling and a correct structure of how
to develop our practices, it is ultimately up to us to determine our philosophy and implement it.
Philosophy will shape my practice in many different ways. Developing a personal philosophy
is creating a set of beliefs that you will follow while being a professional2. Once you have created a
philosophy you need to believe in it and develop it as you continue practicing chiropractic. Philosophy
will affect my future practice by being the structure and foundation in which I practice. I need to
believe in my philosophy and allow my patients to understand this and trust in it. I believe everybody
should have the right to perform activities of daily living pain free and to trust in me to make this
happen for them.
To understand the philosophy of science of chiropractic one must understand the role that
principles and theories play1. Principles can be defined as fundamental source for the basis of
something2. Principles play a big role in philosophy as it allows people to have a basic understanding
and knowledge of what they believe in. Principles develop philosophy and provide evidence behind
what they are doing2. Theories can be defined as a set of ideas that attempt to explain something2.
Theories and principles are similar in the way that they both provide a solid understanding for
philosophy1. By adding philosophy to the theories and principles of chiropractic you can fully
acknowledge every aspect of the profession. Science and philosophy are often seen as terms that
oppose each other. Individual's often ask themselves if philosophy is enough to believe in something or
does it need science to back it up1. By contributing both philosophic and scientific factors to
chiropractic you will be able to provide a full base of knowledge to your patients. Metaphors,
heuristics, and prior assumptions all play a key role in the philosophy of chiropractic1. All theses words
give individual's a prior knowledge of chiropractic and a pre-determined way of looking at the
profession1. If given good information this can be a benefit, but individual's might receive the wrong
idea about chiropractic if these definitions are used in the wrong manner. Epistemological refers to the
branch of philosophy that deals with the limits of human knowledge and can be seen in the profession
of chiropractic1. Becoming a chiropractor requires a lot of schooling and a lot of practice. But still
with all this knowledge their are still limitations to what we know. Continuously, new research is being
produced and being a chiropractor means becoming a life long learner. Chiropractors must adapt their
philosophies over time and have the mindset to facilitate this to their patients. The structure of
chiropractic is similar around the world although every chiropractor is different. The profession of
chiropractic is unique because it supplies you with the guidelines on what you are supposed to do and
accomplish, but gives you the right to practice the way you see fit. Philosophy plays a major role in
this aspect of chiropractic as it is up to the individual themselves to determine how they are going to
accomplish their goals.

My philosophy of the science of chiropractic is to allow patients bodies to move normally and
pain free. I believe that both scientific evidence and philosophy play a major role in chiropractic. You
need the scientific aspect of chiropractic to be able to prove and provide evidence to what you are
doing2. You also need philosophy in your practice because you need to believe in what you are doing
and have your own set of beliefs that you abide by2. I want to provide my patients with the best care I
possibly can in the most caring and professional way. I believe that as chiropractors we have an
obligation to help patients get back to normal health by doing whatever we can.
Philosophy allows chiropractors to believe in what we are doing beyond the scientific scope of
practice. We each follow our beliefs and skill sets to be the best chiropractors we can be. Philosophy
and science together allow chiropractors to fully commit to what they are doing and help us understand
what we need to do to help our patients. As chiropractors we have the unique ability to combine
philosophy, science, and art into our profession1. Philosophy allows people to believe in what they are
doing and create their own regulations in which they practice1. Science provides evidence and support
in what we are doing is correct1. Finally, the art of chiropractic is the way in which we provide
treatment1. It is truly a work of art and takes many hours of practice to become a master of
chiropractic. Overall, the profession of chiropractic is continuously changing and becoming a more
evidence based profession. Although this is the case, we need to remember that philosophy is what
ultimately drives us to become the best we can be and we should focus on this aspect of the profession
as well.

References
1. Haldeman S. Principles and Practice of Chiropractic. 3rd Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill
Medical Publishing Division; 2005.
2. Forster M. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science. Canada: Philosophy of Science
Journal; February 2004. Available from: http://philosophy.wisc.edu/forster/520/Chapter
%201.pdf