Physics for Future Presidents book

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the book "Physics for Future Presidents" by Richard A. Muller, which aims to educate readers on critical scientific issues such as nuclear power, global warming, and bioweapons in a non-technical manner. Participants humorously speculate whether political figures like McCain and Obama have read the book, with some jokingly suggesting it might be a "pop-up book." There are mentions of the book's relevance for informed citizenship and its basis in a popular course at UC Berkeley. The conversation touches on the importance of scientific literacy for voters and the credibility of Muller as a scholar, highlighting his commitment to rigorous scientific standards. Additionally, there are references to online lectures related to the book, emphasizing its accessibility for those interested in the topics discussed.
Math Is Hard
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
4,650
Reaction score
39
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."
 
Back
Top