Fact Check: Earth is flat

The Claim: "Earth is flat"

The assertion that "Earth is flat" has gained traction among certain groups, despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the Earth's spherical shape. This claim challenges centuries of empirical observations and scientific consensus. The belief in a flat Earth often stems from a distrust of established scientific institutions and a preference for alternative explanations of our world.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: The concept of a flat Earth was prevalent in ancient civilizations, but empirical observations, such as those made by explorers and astronomers, established that the Earth is spherical. For instance, ancient mariners were able to navigate the oceans based on the understanding that the Earth is round, as they would have otherwise sailed off the edge if it were flat 2.

2. Scientific Consensus: The scientific community overwhelmingly supports the view that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. This is based on a multitude of evidence, including satellite imagery, gravitational measurements, and the physics of planetary formation 7.

3. Modern Flat Earth Movement: Despite the scientific consensus, a modern flat Earth movement has emerged, often fueled by social media and a distrust of scientific authorities. This movement promotes various arguments to support their claims, which have been widely debunked by scientists 68.

4. Psychological Factors: Research indicates that belief in flat Earth theories may be linked to broader psychological and social factors, including conspiracy thinking and a rejection of mainstream science 46.

Analysis

The sources available provide a mix of historical context, scientific rebuttals, and insights into the psychology behind flat Earth beliefs.

• Credibility of Sources:

  • NASA's explanation of Earth's shape is grounded in scientific research and historical navigation practices, making it a highly credible source 2.
  • The Scientific American article discusses the psychological aspects of flat Earth belief, providing a nuanced view of why some individuals adhere to these theories despite contrary evidence 6. This source is reputable, as it is published by a well-respected scientific journal.
  • The Britannica entry offers a concise overview of the flat Earth theory, its historical roots, and the scientific evidence against it, which adds to its reliability 7.

• Potential Bias: Some sources, particularly those that focus on debunking flat Earth claims, may exhibit bias against the belief system, potentially leading to a lack of understanding of the motivations behind such beliefs. Articles from platforms like IFLScience and Scientific American may prioritize scientific validation over empathetic engagement with flat Earth proponents 89.

• Methodological Concerns: While many sources provide empirical evidence against the flat Earth claim, they may not address the underlying reasons why individuals choose to believe in such theories. Understanding the social and psychological dimensions could enhance the discourse around this topic 49.

• Contradicting Views: The flat Earth movement has produced its own literature and arguments, which are often presented as counter-evidence to mainstream science. However, these claims typically lack rigorous scientific validation and are frequently dismissed by experts 36.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "Earth is flat" is categorically false, as it contradicts extensive scientific evidence and historical observations that confirm the Earth's spherical shape. Key evidence supporting this verdict includes the overwhelming consensus among scientists, empirical data from satellite imagery, and the principles of physics that govern planetary formation.

However, it is important to recognize that the persistence of flat Earth beliefs can be attributed to psychological and social factors, including a distrust of scientific authorities and a tendency towards conspiracy thinking. While the evidence against the flat Earth claim is robust, understanding the motivations behind such beliefs is crucial for addressing them effectively.

Limitations in the available evidence include the potential biases in sources that may not fully engage with the psychological dimensions of belief in flat Earth theories. Additionally, while the scientific community has largely dismissed flat Earth claims, the movement continues to produce counterarguments that lack rigorous validation.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the broader context in which such claims arise, fostering a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between belief and evidence.

Sources

1. Filippo, M. (2021). The Flat Earth Theory: is Evidence-Based Physiotherapy a ... Retrieved from PMC
2. NASA. (n.d.). How Do We Know the Earth Isn't Flat? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode 53. Retrieved from NASA
3. Library of Congress. (n.d.). The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List of References. Retrieved from LOC
4. Pursuit. (2019). Why do some people believe the Earth is flat? Retrieved from Pursuit
5. Library of Congress. (n.d.). Journal Articles - The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List ... Retrieved from LOC
6. Scientific American. (n.d.). Flat Earthers: What They Believe and Why. Retrieved from Scientific American
7. Britannica. (n.d.). Flat Earth | Theory, Model, Meaning, & Facts. Retrieved from Britannica
8. IFLScience. (n.d.). Seven Things That "Prove" The Earth Is Flat, According To ... Retrieved from IFLScience
9. Physics World. (2020). Fighting flat-Earth theory. Retrieved from Physics World
10. Space.com. (n.d.). How to debate a flat-Earther - Proven scientific arguments and ... Retrieved from Space.com