Scalito needs to be tested on his scientific literacy during the upcoming hearings. We need to try to screen out such nominees who are not part of the reality-based community, or at least get the public to realize that Scalito probably isn't. It's also important for Supreme Court justices to have a basic knowledge of science since cases increasingly have scientific components to them these days.
What are some good basic science questions our Senators should ask Scalito? I've come up with a few:
- Briefly describe the scientific method.
- How does the sun produce energy, and how does this relate to the equation E=mc^2?
- What is the nature of light?
- What does quantum mechanics tell us about the nature of particles?
- Describe the theory of plate tectonics.
- What is a semiconductor?
- Why is the sky blue?
- What is the function of DNA?
- What would be the logical result of differential survival and reproduction rates between groups with differences in their DNA? (maybe this question needs better wording...the idea is to lead Scalito to evolution)
There are a lot more questions that could be added to this, in a variety of areas. I think we need some questions about statistics/probability and proof too.
This idea has been discussed here previously: http://www.dailykos.com/...