| Abstract/Notes |
Objective: To explore how Stoic philosophy can provide insight and practical guidance for a Chiropractic profession experiencing criticism and appearing to be losing identity by examining parallels between Stoic principles and classic Chiropractic philosophy. I propose a Stoic-Chiropractic way of life for contemporary practitioners.
Discussion: Sociological analysis over the last two decades describes Chiropractic as a profession ‘at the crossroads’ between mainstream and alternative medicine, struggling with internal and external criticism. (1-3) Surveys of Chiropractic students show simultaneous endorsements of traditional vertebral subluxation concepts and evidence-based practice, suggesting cognitive dissonance and identity tension. (4-6) Against this backdrop, Stoicism, an ancient Greco-Roman philosophy of virtue, rationality, and resilience, offers a well-developed framework for living with clarity under pressure. (7-9) Core Stoic distinctions between what is and is not under our control, the cultivation of character, and living ‘according to nature’ can be meaningfully compared as articulated by DD Palmer, BJ Palmer, Stephenson and later technique developers. (16-21)
This paper first outlines key Stoic ideas about Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius, (10-12) then summarises classic Chiropractic philosophy and current debates about identity. It then analyses convergences and tensions between Stoic and Chiropractic thought and proposes how Stoic practices such as daily reflection, value-driven action, and disciplined acceptance of criticism could help chiropractors regain philosophical clarity. They could also communicate their message more effectively, and add value in a contemporary patient-oriented health system.
Conclusion: A Stoic reading of Chiropractic suggests that the profession’s core contribution lies in defending contested metaphysical claims and more in embodying virtues, prudence, justice, courage, and temperance; in the specific domain of spine and nervous-system care. Integrating Stoic way-of-life practices with a principled but critically reflective Chiropractic philosophy may help practitioners navigate criticism, reduce internal conflict, and re-articulate a coherent identity that is both faithful to Chiropractic’s roots and intelligible to modern stakeholders.
Author keywords: Chiropractic; Stoicism; Professional Identity; Philosophy, Vertebral subluxation; Gonstead; Resilience; Ethics.
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