I'd say science is itself an ideal, like the law, but with application of rigour. The moment you stop seeking trutg, it's no longer science but akin to alchemy

I'd say science is itself an ideal, like the law, but with application of rigour. The moment you stop seeking trutg, it's no longer science but akin to alchemy or astrology. But then we get to the slippery slope of lying outright vs "cooking the math" to suit your hypothesis. It's still not clear where the line is drawn.