Application of Science Epistemology for Chiropractic Discussion

LAWS or PRINCIPLES of science: The proven facts of science.

THEORY: The generally accepted viewpoint of science. Data tends toward proof, and none seriously challenges.

HYPOTHESIS: A statement made assumed as leading to a conclusion, and in a data-gathering mode. Sometimes called “the working tool of science.”

CONJECTURE: Sometimes called premise, this is the statement made from qualification and preparation, as opinion of events in nature. “An educated guess”.

Chiropractic is a clinical science.

It is based on a law of biology that there is existent in the organism an ability to be healthy, and to get well. Often called the law of homeostasis, it is often stated as the ability to be well within itself and within it’s environment.

It draws on the theory of physiology that the nervous system, composed of the brain, spinal cord, the peripheral nervous system and the sense organs such as the eye and ear, controls and coordinates all other organs and structures, and relates the individual to his environment.

It hypothesizes a relationship between the integrity or health in the nervous system, and integrity and health in the individual.

It conjectures on the major premise that a loss of body framework integrity can relate to loss of nervous system integrity. These associations of framework dysfunction, and nervous system dysfunction are called subluxations.

Note: The following was quoted from Dr. Virgil Strang, Past President of Palmer College of Chiropractic (Deceased 1998)