The Power of Public Opinion

Because Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines focuses as much on policy making as it does on science, one of its main considerations is how and when to take public opinion into account when making decisions. Often, Muller suggests that public opinion may be at least partially incorrect, and that only by fully understanding the science behind an issue will a future president be able to support their position. However, he also seems to believe that many people have valid fears, or at least have their fears for valid reasons, that need to be addressed or assuaged. And, because he is addressing the potential leader of a democracy, Muller recognizes that some decisions will be made by experts, and some will be made by the masses.

Muller says that people are easily distracted. While experts may spend their entire lives learning...