Fact Check: Earth is flat

The Claim: "Earth is flat"

The assertion that "Earth is flat" represents a long-debunked belief that contradicts centuries of scientific evidence. Proponents of this theory argue that the Earth is not a sphere but rather a flat disk or plane. This claim has gained traction among certain groups, particularly on social media, despite overwhelming scientific consensus supporting the Earth's spherical shape.

What We Know

Historical Context: The idea of a flat Earth was common in ancient cultures, but it was largely replaced by the understanding of a spherical Earth due to empirical observations and scientific advancements. For instance, ancient Greek philosophers like Pythagoras and later Aristotle provided early evidence of a spherical Earth based on observations of lunar eclipses and the horizon 6.
Scientific Evidence: Modern science has consistently demonstrated that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. This conclusion is supported by various forms of evidence, including satellite imagery, the phenomenon of gravity, and the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon 2 8. NASA and other space agencies have provided extensive photographic evidence of Earth from space, reinforcing the spherical model 2.
Current Beliefs: Despite the scientific consensus, a segment of the population continues to advocate for the flat Earth theory. Research indicates that belief in a flat Earth is often linked to broader conspiracy theories and distrust in scientific authorities 4 7.
Cognitive Bias: Some studies suggest that cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, play a significant role in the persistence of flat Earth beliefs. Individuals may selectively seek information that supports their views while disregarding contradictory evidence 4.

Analysis

The sources available for evaluating the claim that the Earth is flat vary in credibility and reliability:

NASA's Expert Insights: The NASA article provides a scientifically grounded perspective, explaining how navigational practices and historical exploration support the spherical Earth model. NASA is a reputable source with a strong scientific foundation, making this information reliable 2.
Scientific American: This source discusses the psychological and social factors contributing to flat Earth beliefs, highlighting the relationship between such beliefs and conspiracy theories. The publication is well-regarded in the scientific community, lending credibility to its analysis 7.
USA Today Fact Check: This article summarizes various claims made by flat Earth proponents and systematically debunks them using scientific evidence. USA Today is a mainstream news outlet, and its fact-checking process typically adheres to journalistic standards, making it a reliable source 8.
Encyclopedia Britannica: The entry on flat Earth provides a concise overview of the historical context and the scientific consensus against the flat Earth theory. Britannica is known for its editorial rigor, which adds to its reliability 10.
Pursuit Article: This article explores the reasons behind flat Earth beliefs, providing insights into the psychological and sociocultural aspects. While it offers valuable context, it may not be as scientifically rigorous as other sources 4.
Wikipedia: The flat Earth Wikipedia page presents a broad overview of the topic, including historical and modern perspectives. While Wikipedia can be a useful starting point, it is important to verify the information against primary sources due to its open-editing nature 6.
Flat Earth Advocacy: The Library of Congress references provide a list of materials related to flat Earth advocacy, but they may not offer scientific validation for the claims made by flat Earth proponents 3 5.

In evaluating these sources, it is essential to consider potential biases. For instance, sources that directly advocate for flat Earth beliefs may lack scientific rigor and could be influenced by ideological motivations. Conversely, sources from established scientific institutions are more likely to present evidence-based conclusions.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "Earth is flat" is false, as it contradicts extensive scientific evidence demonstrating that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. Key evidence supporting this verdict includes historical observations by ancient philosophers, modern satellite imagery, and the principles of gravity, all of which consistently affirm the spherical nature of the Earth.

While a minority of individuals continue to promote flat Earth beliefs, often influenced by cognitive biases and distrust in scientific authorities, these beliefs lack empirical support. It is important to recognize that the persistence of such claims may reflect broader psychological and sociocultural factors rather than factual accuracy.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations in available evidence. The flat Earth theory persists in part due to the influence of social media and the selective exposure to information that aligns with personal beliefs. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information, seek out credible sources, and remain aware of the psychological factors that can shape their understanding of scientific claims.