Fact Check: the earth is flat

The Claim: "The Earth is Flat"

The assertion that "the Earth is flat" is a long-debunked belief that has resurfaced in various forms, particularly through social media and popular culture. This claim contradicts centuries of scientific evidence supporting the Earth's spherical shape. The resurgence of flat Earth theories has sparked discussions about belief systems, misinformation, and the role of science communication in society.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: The belief in a flat Earth was prevalent in ancient civilizations, but by the Middle Ages, the spherical model of the Earth was widely accepted among educated individuals, particularly in the Islamic world 7.

2. Scientific Evidence: Numerous scientific observations support the Earth's roundness. For instance, photographs from space, the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon, and the varying positions of stars in the sky depending on one's latitude all provide compelling evidence that the Earth is not flat 59.

3. Psychological Factors: Research indicates that belief in flat Earth theories is often linked to broader conspiracy thinking and distrust in scientific authorities 8. A study highlighted that social media plays a significant role in perpetuating these beliefs, creating a "misinformation feedback loop" 9.

4. Current Advocacy: Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, flat Earth advocates continue to promote their beliefs, often using pseudoscientific arguments and anecdotal evidence to support their claims 410.

5. Public Perception: A significant portion of the population still holds onto flat Earth beliefs, often influenced by cultural and social factors rather than scientific reasoning 4.

Analysis

The sources available for evaluating the claim of a flat Earth vary in credibility and bias:

• Scientific Sources: Articles from reputable institutions like NASA 5 and peer-reviewed studies 8 provide strong evidence supporting the Earth's spherical shape. These sources are generally reliable due to their adherence to scientific methodologies and peer review processes.

• Misinformation and Bias: The flat Earth theory is often propagated by individuals and groups with specific agendas, such as promoting distrust in science or government. For example, the article from Scientific American discusses the psychological underpinnings of flat Earth belief and its connections to conspiracy theories, indicating a potential bias against the scientific community 8.

• Historical Context: The Wikipedia entry on flat Earth 7 provides a broad overview of the theory's history and its advocates, but it may lack the depth of analysis found in academic sources. Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, which raises questions about the reliability of specific claims made within its content.

• Cultural Analysis: The article from the University of Melbourne explores why some individuals maintain flat Earth beliefs despite scientific evidence, suggesting that these beliefs are deeply rooted in identity and community 4. This perspective is valuable for understanding the social dynamics at play but may not directly address the scientific validity of the flat Earth claim.

• Fact-Checking: USA Today's fact-checking roundup 9 emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the role of misinformation in perpetuating flat Earth beliefs. This source is credible, as it relies on expert opinions and established scientific facts.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is categorically false, as it contradicts a vast body of scientific evidence that supports the Earth's spherical shape. Key evidence includes photographs from space, the observable behavior of ships on the horizon, and the differing positions of stars based on geographic location. These observations have been consistently validated by scientific inquiry over centuries.

However, it is important to recognize that the persistence of flat Earth beliefs can be attributed to psychological factors, such as conspiracy thinking and social influences, which complicate the straightforward rejection of the claim. While the scientific consensus is clear, the cultural and psychological dimensions of belief in a flat Earth highlight the challenges in addressing misinformation.

Moreover, the evidence available primarily supports the spherical model of the Earth, but it is essential to acknowledge that the discourse surrounding flat Earth theories often involves complex social dynamics that may not be fully captured by scientific data alone.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the sources and motivations behind various claims, especially in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly through social media and other platforms.

Sources

1. The Flat Earth Theory: is Evidence-Based Physiotherapy a ... PMC
2. Round Earth Clues: How Science Proves that our Home is ... UNLV
3. The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List of References Library of Congress
4. Why do some people believe the Earth is flat? - Pursuit University of Melbourne
5. 90 Years of Our Changing Views of Earth NASA
6. Journal Articles - The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List ... Library of Congress
7. Flat Earth - Wikipedia Wikipedia
8. Flat Earthers: What They Believe and Why | Scientific American Scientific American
9. Fact check roundup: Proof that the Earth is round - USA TODAY USA Today
10. Fighting flat-Earth theory Physics World