Physics for Future Presidents: Richard A. Muller

UC Berkeley physics professor and author Richard Muller gives an entertaining interview on why politicians and other opinion leaders should understand the basics of physics to create smart public policy. [3/2009] [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 16054]

Category:

Education

Tags:

• public
• policy
• Richard
• A.
• Muller
• physics

[slarmas]

I've watched his classes (all of them) twice and the only problem is that they eventually end. He is far more interesting than any TV show because what he says and teaches is real. If all teachers were like this we would have the most brilliant country in the world. This guy should not only teach Physics he should be watched as an example of how to teach. I could sit through years of his classes and never get bored. On a scale of 1- 10 I give him a 20.

[johnzammitpace]

Professor Richard A. Muller is a first class lecturer in Physics. I recomend listening to his lectures to everyone interested in this subject, anyone of any age. He has always something to give to the listener/student or anybody in any other professions. John E. ZAMMITPACE (Malta) Avant-Garde Composer, jazz guitarist.

[xtremetom180]

very interesting thanks

[lovelplants]

i agree with slarmas.. i watched just some of his lecture and yeah truly love it.. great teacher.. and yeah a president to be must have a good knowledge in physics..

[Antithropocentric]

I find Muller's "skeptic" angle on global warming to be more political than he lets on, and generally arrogant. It's as if HE is the only one qualified to intepret the temperature record.

He admits climatologists were right all along about warming but he's still claiming they could be wrong about Man's role in it. How likely is that, and who will deliver the "official word" to the nation's deniers? Will it take Rush Limbaugh having an epiphany when the sea threatens his Florida mansions?

[Antithropocentric]

America can barely elect a President who doesn't believe in Noah's Ark, and they're supposed to grasp the intricacies of physics? That seems highly unlikely.

We can't even enforce the First Amendment Establishment Clause, which was supposed to separate religious ideology from public policy-making. It seems almost mandatory for a candidate to express their blind faith in an invisible God these days, at least on the Republican side.

[R0773N]

Sounds like he's pro-nuclear. I like that.

[cherielynnae]

I really enjoyed this beyond words. almost wished I was in Berkeley taking his classes. What an educator, bet all of his students give him credit as the best instructor they ever had. they should ask him what to do before making decision at the white house, at least he would give them an educated informed truthful decision! Im going to watch the rest of his videos.. thanks, whoever put these up!

[Ramiromasters]

@KTMONEY100 When I made that comment I wanted to point a finger at him for confusing people. But now life puts me in a situation where I realize what he is doing and... I think at his age I would probably do the same. For a scientist the worst thing you can do is to ruin your name, specially when most independent work you can do its only pay through government grants, and as a scientist the best thing its to have the money to be left alone and not participate in the noise of the world.

[KTMONEY100]

@Ramiromasters I think you have a few facts mixed up. The planes were each carrying 60 tons of jet fuel. Jet fuel has 15 times the energy of TNT per ton. 60 X 15 = 900 tons of TNT Equivalent Energy. His book is very well written and he critiques both sides of each topic it speaks of. One of the best books written on the physics behind all the hype in the media.

[Ramiromasters]

I don't know why he said some of the things he said but:

747 airplane weight = 486.4 tons

maximun fuel carrier capacity 10.02 tons according to Boing.

Not 600 tons...

He is right about hydrogen but nobody is talking about using gas, but liquid to gas hydrogen.

Sell out imo...