"Science is bound, by the everlasting vow of honour, to face fearlessly every problem which can be fairly presented to it"

Science is committed to upholding a profound responsibility: to approach every legitimate question or challenge with courage and integrity. The phrase “bound, by the everlasting vow of honour” emphasizes an ethical duty ingrained in the very fabric of scientific pursuit. It is not merely a practical or intellectual activity, but a noble enterprise anchored in the values of honesty and bravery. Such a vow suggests that scientists operate under a promise to themselves, to their peers, and to society at large, to confront uncertainty and complexity with steadfastness rather than retreat.

To “face fearlessly every problem” underscores the necessity of intellectual courage. Progress in science demands an unflinching confrontation with the unknown. There may be problems that seem intractable, potentially controversial, or even threatening to established beliefs and societal norms, yet the pursuit of truth requires open-mindedness and the refusal to let fear dictate the direction of inquiry. This approach refuses to shy away from challenges simply because they are daunting or uncomfortable. Instead, it treats each well-defined scientific problem as an invitation, sometimes a demand, for careful examination and reasoned analysis.

The qualifier “which can be fairly presented to it” signals that science does not claim omniscience or boundless scope. Problems must be formulated in a way that permits empirical investigation and rational analysis. Science operates by certain rules and methodologies, necessitating clarity, evidence, and logical structure. Unverifiable or ill-posed questions fall outside its purview, but within its boundaries, the commitment stands: no matter how perplexing or formidable the issue, science must engage it without bias or hesitation.

Ultimately, the message reflects both an aspiration and a code of conduct for the scientific community. It is a reminder that the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of humanity depend on the relentless pursuit of answers, guided by honour and immune to intimidation by difficulty or controversy.