Author: Virgil Seutter
Date: October 8, 1997
Parent Node:
9. Dynamical Systems and Information Theory
9.1 The opportunity to find tools for inquiry into the chiropractic protocol is dependent upon the willingness to examine chiropractic theory within the findings of contemporary science. The possibility that chiropractic could be recognizing a dualistic function of the nervous system can only be appreciated in view of contemporary examination of the brain/body connection and the contributions of neuroscience. The tools to examine this connection, however, require sophisticated technology along with more sophisticated mathematical applications into the inquiry process.
9.2 The possibility that chiropractic could find similar technics for inquiry into its protocols has not previously been considered. Part of this problem is the unwillingness for the profession to examine its theories within a real-world context of relationships. The inability to recognize the distinctions between "classical" versus "contemporary" holism is one example of stagnation in the development of chiropractic toward a scientific foundation for its precepts and application. The emergence of "complexity" science supports the possibility that a superimposed function may coexist with structural components. The ability for chiropractic to examine its protocol as a significant intervention into the health process cannot be possible without linking structure to function.
9.3 While emphasis in research has prioritized the mechanistic model of inquiry as structure (the mechanics of subluxation) in relation to function (the physiological component), the ability to examine the dynamics of mechanical systems as a coordinational system of interrelationships has not found similar support. That tools might be available has not occurred to the profession. The ability to simulate control of dynamical systems through numerical simulation of function has become a science in itself (robotics, artificial intelligence, biomechanics, etc.).
9.4 For a profession that has placed emphasis upon the importance of structure to function, the ability to provide credible support to this theory requires introduction of those sciences that actively examine this mechanism. A de-emphasis upon the subluxation theory as a single level, linear lesion is a requisite for emergence into an inquiry that examines a coordinational, nonlinear system of multiple level lesions (subluxations). The possibility that the "tools" for inquiry already exist may not, however, benefit the chiropractic profession if it cannot reexamine its theories within a contemporary, real-world setting.
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE
Seutter, V. "Commentary: Holism, Alternative Medicine, and Why Chiropractic Embraces It. Dynamical Systems and Information Theory" Chiropractic Resource Organization. 8 Oct 1997. ChiroZine ISSN1525-4550
(c) 1997-2001 Chiro.org. All rights reserved.
(c) 1997 Chiropractic Resource Organization. All Rights Reserved. Reprint by permission.
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