METAPHYSICS, RATIONALITY AND SCIENCE

The debate over the metaphysical elements of Palmer's theories, and in chiropractic generally, has been a long and frequently bitter one. Th is article attempts to show the illogicality of both sides of the deba te by reviewing the role of metaphysics in science and the discussions of metaphysics in philosophy. Within philosophy, metaphysics have bee n viewed, at least by those who do not object to them outright, as heu ristic devices, which, although they cannot be subjected to either con firmation or refutation (that is, we cannot know if they are true or f alse), can be subjected to rational criticism. Furthermore, the articl e suggests that a critical confrontation with Palmer's metaphysical co nstructs should begin with a critique of vitalism, the philosophical s ource of these constructs (innate and universal intelligence).