|
Home
Journal Issues
Journal Information
| |
Volume 12
J Chiropr Humanit 2005; 12
Table of Contents
Editorial
Claire Johnson, MSEd, DC
When Worldviews Collide:
Maintaining a Vitalistic Perspective in Chiropractic in the Postmodern Era
Cheryl Hawk, DC, PhD
Objectives: To discuss concepts of
postmodernism with respect to the opposing worldviews of vitalism and mechanism,
and to present an argument for a viable role for vitalism in chiropractic
philosophy and research.
Discussion: Vitalism is only problematic if we begin with the assumption that a
mechanist worldview or paradigm is the correct way to explain the world. In
postmodern thought, a multiplicity of worldviews may coexist. One view is no
more valid or correct than another and these divergent views are judged best by
their utility under various circumstances. Exploring clinical practices and
methodologies, such as whole systems research, arising from a vitalistic
perspective could lead to innovations in both patient care and research, if
pursued with flexible non-dogmatic thinking.
Conclusion: Vitalism, approached in a responsible and intelligent manner, may
afford the chiropractic profession opportunities to further improve patient care
and make contributions to new knowledge.
A Proposal Regarding the
Identity of Chiropractic: Embrace the Centrality of the Spine
Bram B. Briggance, PhD
Objective: To offer the following
proposition: the spine is inextricable from and absolutely essential to the
identity of the chiropractic profession.
Discussion: In order to determine the identity of the chiropractic profession
two separate approaches are made: first, the question is examined
philosophically; the profession is defined by determining its essence - what it
is, what it is not, and what it is for. Second, the question is examined
pragmatically, by determining chiropractic’s role in people’s lives; how it is
defined by the public and what chiropractic practitioners actually do.
Conclusions: Philosophically, chiropractic’s essence, boundaries, and purpose
are oriented by the spine; practically speaking, the spine is where doctors of
chiropractic apply the vast majority of their work. The author suggests that
embracing the spine as the center of chiropractic identity does not limit the
profession but, rather gives the public and the profession a common referent to
define chiropractic’s function and value.
Rigor in the Philosophy of
Chiropractic: Beyond the Dismissivism/Authoritarian Polemic
Brian J. McAulay, DC, PhD
Background: Based upon writings on
the philosophy of chiropractic, there is an analytical framework that
dichotomizes thinking in the philosophy of chiropractic into two as yet
unacknowledged methodological approaches.
Objective: To illustrate the polemic and to provide an example of how critical
inquiry has the potential to advance the understanding of the philosophy of
chiropractic and to contribute in a meaningful way toward contemporary
healthcare.
Discussion: It is argued that neither group discussed has been successful in
advancing understanding of the philosophy of chiropractic or health care. A
third approach, in which the notions of critical inquiry and rigorous analysis
are used, is presented.
Conclusion: The philosophy of chiropractic can become a discipline advancing the
understanding of the nature of the philosophy, its ability for pragmatic
application, and its potential to enhance society.
The Set and Setting:
Professionalism Defined
Stuart Kinsinger, DC
Objective: This paper delineates the
qualities and competencies that define professional behaviors and competencies.
Aspects of professionalism are approached from the perspective of the necessity
to quantify and maintain standards in order to protect the public from the
influence of moral relativism. The overall objective of this paper is to
describe the set and setting of professionalism.
Discussion: Professionalism is defined firstly by the disciplines that qualify
by their attributes as the professions (set), and how these attributes and
characteristics are delivered by the professional to the client (setting),
resulting in the tenets of professionalism.
Conclusion: The definition of professionalism is a construct of the set and
setting which synthesize to make up the defining characteristics of principles
of professionalism. This paper advocates for professional principles and
standards to be maintained to ensure that the trust given to professionals by
society is strengthened.
A Model for Learning to Understand and Communicate the Philosophy of
Chiropractic:
Using the 7 Habits of Highly
Effective People
Timothy A. Gross, MS, DC, LCP, Charles Butler, DC, LCP
Background: From the beginning,
communicating the philosophy of chiropractic has created turmoil within the
profession, caused debate over its practicality, and sometimes been discarded as
useless. A search began for a model to create avenues of understanding and
communication. Other professionals have used Covey’s 7 Habits as a model for
success in communicating their principles and we felt that the chiropractic
profession could make similar attempts. We selected Steven R. Covey’s book The 7
Habits of Highly Effective People. Covey’s for its concepts and applied them to
strategies for use by chiropractic educators or philosophy instructors.
Discussion: This paper describes a new model of communication by synthesizing
the 7 Habits of Covey with the works of Stephenson in the Chiropractic Textbook.
This model uses principled perceptions to illustrate a philosophical value for
clinical practice and educational experience, so it can be more easily heard and
understood by a wider audience.
Conclusion: The authors believe that the philosophy of chiropractic is as vital
to the profession as is the science and the art. The authors suggest that using
Covey’s 7 Habits as a model is useful, practical, and worthy for doctors of
chiropractic to consider as another avenue for dialogue, advancing the
philosophy of chiropractic, and serving as a platform for learning to better
understand and communicate the philosophy of chiropractic.
|
