Physics for Future Presidents book

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the book "Physics for Future Presidents" by Richard A. Muller, exploring its relevance to political leaders and the general public's understanding of scientific issues such as nuclear power, global warming, and terrorism. Participants express curiosity about the book's content and its potential impact on political discourse.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether political figures like McCain and Obama have purchased the book, suggesting its importance for future leaders.
  • There are humorous remarks about the book's format, with suggestions that it might be a picture or pop-up book.
  • One participant expresses a personal intention to buy the book for a trip, while another mentions being too busy with school to read it now.
  • Participants discuss the implications of nuclear power, with one humorously stating that they would be out of a job if it were not encouraged.
  • There is admiration for Richard Muller as a scholar, with references to his caution in scientific conclusions and his willingness to publish work that debunks his own hypotheses.
  • A participant mentions that the lectures related to the book are available online, providing additional resources for those interested.
  • One participant shares a quote from Muller about the importance of maintaining high standards in scientific work, emphasizing the need for caution when conclusions are appealing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion features a mix of humor and serious commentary, with no clear consensus on the book's impact or the necessity of its content for political leaders. Participants express varied opinions on the relevance of the book and its author, indicating a range of perspectives without definitive agreement.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal opinions and humor rather than technical analysis of the book's content. The discussion does not resolve whether the book is essential reading for political leaders or the general public.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the intersection of science and politics, as well as those curious about public understanding of scientific issues related to governance.

Math Is Hard
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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.
 
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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.
 
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  • #11
I had a Biology professor who called that "falling in love with you hypothesis."
 

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