Physics: [list=1][li]the already-mentioned E=mc[sup]2[/sup] and its consequences. Also a rudimentary understanding of how nuclear reactors operate.[/li][li]Newton’s equation F=ma and its basic applications.[/li][li]the equations for a falling body near the surface of the earth: v=9.8t and s=4.9t[sup]2[/sup] (using the meter as the length unit)[/list=1]Math (additional):[list=1][]the equation y=x[sup]2[/sup], its basic properties, and basic examples (see Physics #3 above).[/li][li]the rudiments of calculus: how to develop the derivative of x[sup]2[/sup]; the basic derivatives and anti-derivatives. Use Physics #3 for a basic example.[/list=1]Misc:[list=1][]how to distinguish between science and pseudoscience.[/li][li]how to recognize fallacious arguments.[/li]the basics of reading music: the ability to plunk out a simple tune on the piano from sheet music.[/list=1]
You’re right, of course. To be honest, I meant to mention this, but forgot.
More nitpicking:
It should also be pointed out that Henry VII descent was “tainted” by bastardy on both his father’s and mother’s sides:
Owen Tudor was Henry VII’s grandfather (IIRC) and his children were considered by many to be bastards because there was some question whether his marriage to Katherine, widow of Henry V, was legitimate–or whether the marriage even took place. Also, Henry VII’s mother, Magaret Beaufort, was descended from the illegitimate children of John of Gaunt. The Beauforts were later legitimized by Richard II, but the next king, Henry IV, made the Beauforts ineligible for the throne (there being some question whether Henry IV could legitimately do this).
So Henry VII was a bastard on both sides. Of course, this didn’t prevent William the Conqueror from gaining the throne in 1066.
Finally, Henry VII’s wife, Elizabeth was not only a descendant of Lionel, Duke of Clarence and Edmund, Duke of York, but also of John of Gaunt as well, through her mother, Cecily Neville. Since we’re nitpicking…
I think this raises an interesting distinction between “things everyone should know” vs. “how the hell did you end up not hearing about that?” I mean, how did I end up hearing about Fellini in college? I don’t know- I just picked it up somewhere.
I’m reminded of those surveys which are meant to shock us with the ignorance of the average American- “only 3% of teenagers could name a Supreme Court justice, but 65% knew that Leonardo DiCaprio was the star of Titanic.” Huh? How did 35% of American teens end up not knowing about Leo being in “Titanic” when there was such an incredible ad blitz surrounding the movie? It seems to me that if you’re an american teen, and you go hang out at magazine stands and watch TV, and somehow you never notice that there’s this movie out named “Titanic” and Leo is in it, then we have no hope for America. In some ways I find that more shocking than the kid they quoted in the New Yorker saying that he didn’t think the Confederate flag was a big deal, but then he heard that “they fought this war over it or something.”
-Ben
DRY: And of course you’re right as well . History geeks, unite 
.
- Tamerlane
Every educated person should know how to spell Recognize. 
“Recognise” appears five times in this thread.
…which is a perfectly acceptable spelling outside the US.
Spelling correctly is politically impossible for Canadians.
I don’t normally because, while I think harmless flirtation is ok, a crush wouldn’t be fair to Mr. Mauvaise, but I may have to make an exception in your case
My strength kind of wanes post Tudor, but not do to a lack of interest, just haven’t found anything good to read yet. Thanks for the link, I’ll check it out.
**
Check your email.
As no one has brought this up, I would like to see a familiarity with semantics be added to the list. I’m not saying you have to read Korzybski, but reading S. I. Hayakawa is not unreasonable. (Language in Thought and Action, if anyone is interested.)
And they should know that evolution is Darwinian, not Lamarckian.
I like Bawdysurfer’s list.
Getting away from the “book-learnin’ stuff”, how about some basic life skills like being able to change a tire, pump your own gas, how to check your oil (but not necessarily change it…that’s why God invented Jiffy Lube), creating and living on a budget, being able to balance a checkbook, how to write a resume, how to behave in a job interview, knowing what to wear when the invitation says “Casual” or “Black Tie,” picking gifts for different occasions, how to behave in different social situations, how to write a ‘Thank You’ note, how to read a map, basic homeowner’s maintenance…unclogging a drain or toilet, etc.
I also think that in order to be considered culturally literate, a person should be able to hum the first eight bars of “Smoke on the Water”.
I disagree with a lot of things on the lists. I’m terrible at geography and anatomy, yet I have a fairly adequate knowledge about physics and math. I have people lined up at the door for tutoring in math.
I’m fairly well read, but have missed some of the ones that were considered important. I don’t care much for movies, although I can name tons of them, who starred in them, basic plotlines, I don’t think that it’s a really important part of education.
I know a smattering of many subjects. Enough for me to be able to follow conversations outside of my expertise. Despite gaping holes in my knowledge, I manage to win Trivial Pursuit regularly.
I cannot distinguish between Renoir and Monet. I missed Eisenhower when trying to name the presidents after FDR (bear in mind that I’m not American). The only significant fact I can name about WWI is that it was started with the assasination of Archduke Ferdinand. I know when the Magna Carta was signed without really knowing anything more about it. I get by quite well without a lot of the listed knowledge. I even scored in the genius range on a test about events in world history and general knowledge.
I think that a lot of this list is subjective. Everyone thinks that people should have general knowledge about their pet subject.
My list? Pretty basic.
Is the sun a star?
How many planets in the solar system?
Who was Hitler?
How many world wars?
Be able to recognize the names of the oceans and continents.
Recognize the names of a wide variety of authors. One should know the difference between Danielle Steel and Dickens.
Be able to name at least three current world leaders.
One should also be proficient in at least one subject. The only thing that really bothers me are people who don’t seem to have one area of interest or expertise.
lolagranola: This is not a dig at you in the slightest ( At the very least I consider Physics and Math to be two separate things ). But what I can’t stand are people who have only one area of interest. I find overly focused/narrowly educated people incredibly tedious. Doesn’t necessarily mean someone should have multiple academic degrees( though I think that’s laudable ). But people should have more than one passion.
I’ve had the misfortune to run across some incredibly competent people who seemed to be interested only in their one little specialty. And having conversations with those folks is about as enjoyable as having one’s fingernails slowly pulled out 
.
- Tamerlane
I think this is what you are looking for…
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345391373/o/qid=978389069/sr=2-1/105-0253788-7998370
and this
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0394758439/qid=978389150/sr=1-1/105-0253788-7998370
IJGrieve is obviously an educated person!
**Regarding 1066 **
Besides all the above intelligent and thoughtful posts on this particular subject, it was explained to me a long time ago that the most significant event of the Battle of Hastings was that it was the *last * successful land invasion of England. ( until, naturally, the advent of the Tourist.)
**Misc Stuff **
- Learn how to fold a map.
- Learn how to give directions by North, South, East & West.
- Learn how to properly pack for a trip. ( You, yeah, you take too much crap.)
- Learn how to write a letter & thank you notes.
- Learn the basics of wine and liquor knowledge.
When I hear Goddard, I think of Robert Goddard, a pioneer in rocketry. I can’t tell if that means I’m not educated, or if I’m too educated.
[minor hijack]
This list is something that I’ve thought about for a long time, especially in regards to voting rights. Sometimes it bothers me that people who have no idea who we fought against in WW2 have a voice in our government, and that there should be some basic exam. Then I remember those oh-so-happy days of literacy requirements to vote, and how well those turned out. There’s gotta be a happy medium.
[/minor hijack]
I’m rather pessimistic about the level of education in the country, so I’ll just reduce it to this-- I don’t care if you don’t know the answer, but as long as you know where to LOOK for it, and can FIND it, then you’re edjumacated. (Yes, I worked in a library for two years.)