Physics for Future Presidents book

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers around the book "Physics for Future Presidents" by Richard A. Muller, which explores critical scientific issues relevant to modern governance, such as nuclear power, global warming, and biochemical threats. The book is designed for non-science students and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these topics in accessible language. Participants express curiosity about whether political figures like McCain and Obama have read the book, while also discussing its educational value and the author's credibility as a physicist at UC Berkeley.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic scientific concepts related to nuclear power and global warming.
  • Familiarity with the role of science in public policy and governance.
  • Knowledge of Richard A. Muller's contributions to physics and education.
  • Awareness of the current political landscape regarding science and technology.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Richard A. Muller's course materials available online for non-science students.
  • Explore the implications of nuclear power in contemporary energy discussions.
  • Investigate the scientific basis of global warming and its political ramifications.
  • Examine the role of scientific literacy in shaping public policy and presidential decision-making.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for educators, policymakers, students of political science, and anyone interested in the intersection of science and governance, particularly in understanding how scientific knowledge influences leadership decisions in the 21st century.

Math Is Hard
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
4,650
Reaction score
36
Do you think McCain and Obama have purchased copies?


Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393066274/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Product Description
Learn the science behind the headlines—the tools of terrorists, the dangers of nuclear power, and the reality of global warming.

We live in complicated, dangerous times. They are also hyper-technical times. As citizens who will elect future presidents of the most powerful and influential country in the world, we need to know—truly understand, not just rely on television's talking heads—if Iran's nascent nuclear capability is a genuine threat to the West, if biochemical weapons are likely to be developed by terrorists, if there are viable alternatives to fossil fuels that should be nurtured and supported by the government, if nuclear power should be encouraged, and if global warming is actually happening. This book is written in everyday, nontechnical language on the science behind the concerns that our nation faces in the immediate future. Even active readers of serious journalism will be surprised by the lessons that the book contains. It is "must-have" information for all presidents—and citizens—of the twenty-first century. 50 illustrations.

About the Author
Richard A. Muller is professor of physics at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a past winner of the MacArthur Fellowship. This book is based on his renowned course for non-science students.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Math Is Hard said:
Do you think McCain and Obama have purchased copies?

More to the point has it been tested on George Bush?

Is it a picture book?
 
That man bear pig guy was well educated in the science was he not.
 
LowlyPion said:
More to the point has it been tested on George Bush?

Is it a picture book?

Pop-up book, I think. :biggrin:

Seriously, though, I might buy it for my plane trip home at Christmas.
 
Math Is Hard said:
Pop-up book, I think. :biggrin:

Seriously, though, I might buy it for my plane trip home at Christmas.

Why not buy it now?
 
ubermensch said:
Why not buy it now?

There are too many other things to read right now for school. Must wait for vacation.
 
I'm not voting for you for president whether you read the book or not
 
Math Is Hard said:
if nuclear power should be encouraged,

Yes! otherwise i would be out of job :biggrin:
 
  • #10
Anyway forgot to post that the other day, but I consider Richard Muller to be a great scholar. His most important http://muller.lbl.gov/TRessays/23-Medievalglobalwarming.html in my opinion is:

Love to believe? My own words make me shudder. They trigger my scientist's instinct for caution. When a conclusion is attractive, I am tempted to lower my standards, to do shoddy work. But that is not the way to truth. When the conclusions are attractive, we must be extra cautious.

Advise to give that a real, real, good thought.

He is also the only scientist, I know of, who happily published a paper debunking his own hypothesis. That's real top class.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11
I had a Biology professor who called that "falling in love with you hypothesis."
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
5K
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
10K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 133 ·
5
Replies
133
Views
28K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K