Does a president have to be scientifically literate?

perseus

Active member
Well obviously this programme thinks so.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00dlr2j/

It argues that in a modern age of technological development a good understanding of science is essential. Presidents have often known little about science, that's a problem when the decisions they make will affect every one of us.

Examples include understanding:
  • how easy it is for rogue states to produce uranium and develop nuclear weapons
  • when life really begins and if it matters
  • genetics and race
  • the Energy crisis and climate change. What route do we choose?
Personally I think it is less important to understand the details of science but still have a good basic grounding in science combined with the ability to pick the best advisors and distinguish good advice from bad. So perhaps the qualities could be listed as
  • a rational mind devoid of superstition
  • a good understanding of human psychology, being able to tell when people are genuine, and what influences peoples decisions
  • a common sense understanding of what is most important for human well being
  • a commitment towards society rather than private selfish interests.
  • being able to make more pragmatic than ideological decisions
 
I think they should know the basics of science just like everyone who's got some kind of education. Obviously don't need to be an expert but they really ought to know enough to understand what makes it into the news and briefings etc.
But of course in your case, a President will never truly count as being scientifically savvy unless he buys into all your beliefs.
 
A president has the benefit of the purely scientific viewpoint at all times:-
  • "The second nuclear era, unlike the dawn of the first nuclear age in 1945, is characterized by a world of porous national borders, rapid communications that facilitate the spread of technical knowledge, and expanded commerce in potentially dangerous dual-use technologies and materials. The Pakistan-based network that provided nuclear technologies to Libya, North Korea, and Iran, is an example of the new challenges confronting the international community."
  • "Sixteen years after the end of the Cold War, following substantial reductions in nuclear weapons by the United States and Russia, the two major powers have now stalled in their progress toward deeper reductions in their arsenals."
  • "More than 1,400 metric tons of highly enriched uranium and approximately 500 tons of plutonium are distributed worldwide at some 140 sites, in unguarded civilian power plants and university research reactors, as well as in military facilities."
  • "Global warming poses a dire threat to human civilization that is second only to nuclear weapons. Through flooding and desertification, climate change threatens the habitats and agricultural resources that societies depend upon for survival. As such, climate change is also likely to contribute to mass migrations and even to wars over arable land, water, and other natural resources."
  • "The prospect of civilian nuclear power development in countries around the world raises further concerns about the availability of nuclear materials. Growth in nuclear power is anticipated to be especially high in Asia, where Japan is planning to bring on line five new plants by 2010, and China intends to build 30 nuclear reactors by 2020."
"Several factors are driving the turn to nuclear power--aging nuclear reactors, rising energy demands, a desire to diversify energy portfolios and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and the need to reduce carbon emissions that cause climate change. Yet expansion of nuclear power increases the risks of nuclear proliferation." A number of steps that, if taken immediately, could help to prevent disaster, including the following:
  • Reduce the launch readiness of U.S. and Russian nuclear forces and completely remove nuclear weapons from the day-to-day operations of their militaries.
  • Reduce the number of nuclear weapons by dismantling, storing, and destroying more than 20,000 warheads over the next 10 years, as well as greatly increasing efforts to locate, store, and secure nuclear materials in Russia and elsewhere.
  • Stop production of nuclear weapons material, including highly enriched uranium and plutonium--whether in military or civilian facilities.
  • Engage in serious and candid discussion about the potential expansion of nuclear power worldwide. While nuclear energy production does not produce carbon dioxide, it does raise other significant concerns, such as the health and environmental hazards of nuclear waste, the production of nuclear materials that can be diverted to the production of weapons, and the safety and security of the plants themselves.
 
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