Constructing a philosophy of chiropractic: evolving worldviews and postmodern core☆

Abstract 

Objective

The purpose of this article is to explore the postmodern, postrational, and postconventional core of DD Palmer's self-sense and philosophy.

Discussion

DD Palmer's self and philosophy can be viewed as a reaction to the self of modernity and its challenges of a fracture between mind and body, spirit, and nature. It is argued that Palmer's solution to these vexing problems facing the modern self was to use postrational and postconventional logic to overcome the dualisms. His philosophy resonates with similar postrational approaches, most notably, the German idealist Schelling.

Conclusion

It is argued that Palmer was one of the first postrational individuals in America and that chiropractic was an attempt at the first postrational health profession.

Key indexing terms: Chiropractic, Philosophy, Vitalism, Metaphysics