The Top Science Questions Facing America: 2012 Edition
The suggestion portion of the process is now closed. We are now in phase two: taking your submissions under advisement and working with a panel of representatives from leading U.S. science organizations to consolidate ideas and craft the top science questions facing America in 2012.
What are the top science questions the candidates for president should answer? We’re not interested in quizzing candidates on the particulars of cell mitosis or the third digit of pi. We want to know their positions on the big science and engineering policy questions that affect all our lives. The questions we will consider most successful will probe the candidates on the broad, important issues of our day around science in an insightful and fair way.
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Does a president need a minimum level of scientific understanding about the world and, if so, what is the minimum?
Law, neuroscience, sociology.
287 votes -
How old is the Earth?
If they can't correctly answer this then they are incapable of accepting basic realities or are unable to accept that better information leads to better decisions. After all if you tell a creationist that the oceans are acidifying faster than they have in the last 300 my why do they care? They think the Earth is only 6,000 years old so to them it's just more "wrong" science.
245 votes -
How do you know what's true?
I want to know what epistemology the candidates subscribe to. When a candidate says that he knows something, or states a fact, I'd like to have a general idea about how he knows those things. Was it a voice in his head, a gut feeling, a reasoned position, or what?
216 votes -
Do U.S. political leaders understand the Scientific Method well enough to make sound political decisions on scientific topics? Examples?
Please explain the importance of the Scientific Method and how it advances science.
174 votes -
115 votes
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If a body of knowledge is "just a theory", does that mean it is unproven or incorrect?
The phrase "just a theory" gets bandied about in political discourse to discount the weight of evidence. Evolution is "just a theory", human-caused climate change is "just a theory." But so are general relativity, plate tectonics, and genetic inheritance, all of which no one denigrates as "just a theory". Do the candidates understand the difference between a theory and a hypothesis? What weight should be given to the term "theory" - is it a weak endorsement or a verified statement of the world? What are the limitations of a theory?
111 votes -
Name two currently active basic scientists you think exemplify what American science does best, and explain their value to the nation.
Do any of the candidates know who does this work, or how it impacts the long term health of the nation?
97 votes -
82 votes
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Please explain why the summers are warmer than winters.
This is to see if the candidates have an understanding of science.
63 votes -
How is science different from other ways of knowing? How do you integrate scientific findings into your policy making?
What standards of evaluation separate science from other ways of knowing, such as the humanities, social sciences, or religion? How do you rank these different ways of knowing when making policy decisions?
35 votes -
What distinctions would you draw between the principles behind free market economics and Darwinian evolution?
How can one party expound the virtues of market competition without accepting biological evolution? Conversely, are there reasons to intercede in markets to ensure survival of some industries vital to national interest? To ensure meaningful employment and adequate safety net for citizens?
27 votes -
Can you explain how hormonal birth control works?
This question tests the candidates understanding of human biology and reproduction.
24 votes -
23 votes
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22 votes
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Which would need more immediate exec action: establish consensus on assessment of risk, or act w/maximun confidence but on incomplete data?
This question is intended to judge candidates' process/criteria in decision(s) to take action. I phrased it without any obviously 'scientific' terms or concepts, I hope. I am certain this could be dramatically improved w a bit of group crit/design activity...
1 vote -
What is the correct relationship between metaphysics and science from the perspective of public policy and public education?
Science is built on unprovable metaphysical assumptions, because of this it is sometimes used as a cover for sneaking theological ideas into science classes. In addition, good science should inform public policy decisions. How sensitive will the next president be to the metaphysics and theology that drive some ideas that are presented as science? This is important when it comes to understanding how science - particularly as it deals with the origin of nature, life and humans - is taught in public schools. It may also have an impact on how science informs public policy on issues ranging from conservation…
1 vote
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