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Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines | 
 enlarge | Author: Richard A. Muller
Publisher: W. W. Norton
Category: Book
List Price: $26.95
Buy New: $15.59
You Save: $11.36 (42%)
New (29) Used (5) from $15.59
Avg. Customer Rating:  17 reviews
Sales Rank: 2918
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 354
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 9.3 x 6 x 1.5
ISBN: 0393066274
Dewey Decimal Number: 530
EAN: 9780393066272
ASIN: 0393066274
Publication Date: August 4, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 12 more reviews...
 Physics for (Right Wing) Future Presidents October 9, 2008
After looking through the section on Energy I was optimistic about the book and bought it. I was a little nervous about the only testimonial (on the back cover) being from an active duty enlisted military person but I shrugged it off. After finishing the book I felt hoodwinked because the author, enticing us with some accessible physics, adds a significant payload of bad decision analysis and pro-nuclear, anti-gore, anti-progress, agenda. Here are some examples of each:
Bad decision analysis because he deals strictly in probabilities and gives almost no consideration to consequence if events occur. This is a classic error -- if an action increase probability by 0.01% that may sound small but if the outcome is bad enough then you should still avoid the action. Society as a whole, not a solitary physicist, should put a "cost" on that outcome -- if they decide a higher cost than the author it doesn't make them wrong.
Anti-gore elements appear with repeated references to Al Gore's Inconvenient Truth. For example, he refutes one graph of Al Gore's with one from the American Enterprise Institute that adjusts for "Inflation, Growth, Coast Living Patterns" -- something that is hard to do and not something that I would trust a pro-industry think tank to do for me. In general, one can get press by attacking Gore but it's a shameful way to do so.
His chapters on conservation are sound and valuable. His anti-progress views are not. Many economists believe that converting our economy to low-carbon would encourage the development and growth of major new industries for clean manufacturing technology. We could be the world leaders in that area and help export it the developing world. Understanding that "progressive" agenda is key to understanding and helping to unlock the potential of America today.
I'm giving the book three stars for some good physics and deducting two stars for overuse of simple minded economic and social arguments for the powerful corporate interests that have brought this country to the brink of ruin with the help of the current presidency informed all too well by captive scientists like Richard Mueller.
 Physics for Future Presidents Review October 6, 2008
As a scientist and educator I find this book facinating. Rich Muller has a unique way of looking at the essential elements of the science and society topcs he chooses. He extracts essential physics principles and explains them in common sense ways.
 When even the cover has the physics wrong, you know it's going to stink October 2, 2008
0 out of 3 found this review helpful
Aiee! It's a future so bizarre and twisted that the very reflections of objects themselves have been inverted! All hands abandon earth!
Suggested additional reading: Physics for Idiot Graphic Designers
 excellent October 1, 2008
This book should be titled physics for future voters. I wish it was required reading to graduate high school. Extremly easy to read but not dumbed down. I will be watching for more books from Dr Muller.
I cannot believe it September 13, 2008
2 out of 10 found this review helpful
I am a owner of an electric car (Toyota Rav4 EV). I have been driving it since April 2002 and I am very familiar with electrical vehicles. I found Professor Muller's writing on EV stuff is completely untrue.
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