Hour 1: Origins of the Chiropractic Triune

Students explore how D.D. Palmer synthesized ideas from philosophy, religion, Spiritualism, and magnetic healing into chiropractic's triune paradigm. The tripartite conception of human nature as body, mind/soul, and spirit is traced from Plato through Christian thought to 1800s magnetic healing. Students examine Palmer's influences from Spiritualist journals and authors like Evans, Babbitt, and Still, learning how he developed his unique approach from magnetic healing to nerve impingement adjustment. Palmer's synthesis culminated in the chiropractic paradigm based on the triune relationship between innate intelligence, matter, and force.

Hour 2: Development of Early Triune Models

Students examine how Palmer's early magnetic healing paradigm evolved into the chiropractic triune concept through the writings in the Religio Philosophical Journal and works by influential authors. The course explores D.D. Palmer's synthesis of vitalism, magnetic healing, and Spiritualism into his unique approach to health centered on harmonizing Innate Intelligence, matter, and energy. Students learn how Palmer shifted terminology from "triune" to "triplet" while developing a comprehensive paradigm that would shape the future of chiropractic theory and practice.

Hour 3: Evolution of B.J. Palmer's Triune Models

Students examine B.J. Palmer's development of numerous triune models from 1907-1922. Beginning with D.D. Palmer's foundational concepts, the course traces B.J.'s articulation of the "creation, transmission, expression" triad and its expansion to include "force, matter, time." Students learn how B.J. integrated new scientific ideas on electricity, neurology, and cycles, while continuously revising his theories. The philosophical discourse between B.J. and D.D. Palmer demonstrates the dynamic evolution of these foundational concepts, countering claims that chiropractic philosophy remained static or dogmatic.

Hour 4: Emergence of the Triune of Life

Students explore the significant 1920s era at the Palmer School that set the stage for the triune of life concept. The course examines selected PhC theses that preceded and influenced Stephenson's work, alongside B.J. Palmer's developing theories. Students trace how D.D. Palmer's early conceptualizations evolved through B.J. Palmer's work to Ralph W. Stephenson's principles. Special attention is given to Stephenson's crystallization of the triune of life in his 1927 textbook, introducing the three factors of intelligence, force, and matter.

Hour 5: Scientific Foundations and Philosophical Development

Students examine the scientific and philosophical foundations leading to Reggie Gold's work on the triune of life. The course explores B.J. Palmer's research clinic studies, advanced analysis methods like thermography and early EEG, and the integration of Soviet and Western models of 4 neurology. Students learn how early 20th century thinkers like Drain, Ratledge, and Harper developed their own triune models, integrating core principles of tone, transmission, and innate expression.

Hour 6: Reggie Gold and Contemporary Applications

Students examine how Reggie Gold established the triune of life as the cornerstone of chiropractic philosophy. The course explores Gold's emphasis on unimpeded transmission of innate forces and maximum expression of innate intelligence through matter. Students then study how contemporary thinkers evolved these concepts, including Strauss's focus on human potential, Koch's critical analysis of Stephenson's principles, and Lessard's insights on metaphysical and physical aspects of force and matter. This evolution demonstrates the ongoing integration of physics and biology into the triune model.

Hour 7: Modern Perspectives and Research Directions

Students explore contemporary contributions to chiropractic triune theory, including Epstein's Triad of Change model involving perception, behavior, and structure, and Barge's articulation of the intelligence triune. The course examines Sue Brown's pioneering work linking subluxation to unintegrated experiences and potential energy models. Students learn about emerging research frameworks, including Boone and Dobson's model for empirically investigating the triune through studying interference to mental impulse and Wenban's proposals for studying patient communication and behavior change. The course concludes by emphasizing the importance of developing critical studies to advance understanding of the triune principle.