Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide
https://doi.org/10.57043/transnastphl.2004.4692
Abstract
Science has become a part of everyday experience. Man, in his complete reliance on tools, sometimes loses sight of what he is building; thus, such tools have stunted or confused the search for meaning and purpose. The tools of law in its traditions and stability must be coupled with scientific innovations. While scientists strive to unify the sciences, so also must the sciences be unified with the law. However, scientists should never tire in urging the law to catch up with them. What law and policy ask of scientists is no small feat. Not only do scientists have to convince government leaders, but their advocacy must stretch to every sector of society. Our nation’s dedication to science and technology and the purpose behind it is an explicit State policy. Section 17, Article II (Declaration of Principles and State Policies) of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development. Scientists are urged to propagate the tradition of science that teaches individuals and, ultimately, nations, the power to dream, to create, to act, to reason, and if it fails, to try again. This is not only within the power of science to do but the power of science in a democracy.