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 gained some traction in recent years, particularly through social media and documentaries. This claim contradicts centuries of scientific evidence supporting the Earth's spherical shape. The resurgence of flat Earth beliefs raises questions about the nature of scientific literacy, misinformation, and the psychology behind conspiracy theories.

What We Know

1. Scientific Consensus: The overwhelming consensus among scientists is that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. This has been established through various forms of evidence, including satellite imagery, gravitational measurements, and observations of celestial bodies. NASA and other space agencies have provided extensive photographic evidence of Earth's curvature from space 45.

2. Historical Context: The idea of a flat Earth was more common in ancient civilizations, but it was largely replaced by the understanding of a spherical Earth during the Renaissance. The notion has been scientifically disproven through centuries of observation and experimentation 7.

3. Psychological and Sociological Factors: Research indicates that belief in flat Earth theories may be linked to broader psychological and social phenomena, including distrust in authorities and a desire for community among like-minded individuals 39.

4. Misinformation Dynamics: The persistence of flat Earth claims is often attributed to the dynamics of misinformation, where false claims are repeated and amplified through social media, creating a feedback loop that reinforces these beliefs 10.

Analysis

Source Evaluation

• Scientific Sources: Articles from NASA 45 and scientific publications 210 provide credible, evidence-based information that supports the spherical Earth model. NASA, as a leading space agency, has a strong reputation for scientific accuracy and reliability.

• Academic Perspectives: The article from Pursuit 3 discusses the psychological aspects of flat Earth belief, providing insights into why some individuals may cling to these ideas despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. This source is from the University of Melbourne, lending it credibility.

• Media and Misinformation: The USA Today fact-check 10 examines how social media contributes to the spread of flat Earth theories, highlighting the role of misinformation. This source is a mainstream news outlet known for its fact-checking efforts, adding to its reliability.

• Cultural Analysis: The article from Scientific American 9 explores the cultural and psychological dimensions of flat Earth belief, which may provide a more nuanced understanding of the phenomenon. However, as a popular science magazine, it may have a slight bias toward promoting scientific consensus.

Methodological Considerations

The methodologies used in studies examining flat Earth beliefs often rely on surveys and psychological assessments, which can be subjective. While these methods can provide valuable insights, they may not capture the full complexity of why individuals reject scientific consensus. More rigorous, longitudinal studies could help clarify the motivations behind such beliefs.

Conflicts of Interest

Some sources discussing flat Earth theories may have inherent biases, particularly if they are produced by organizations with a vested interest in promoting scientific literacy or debunking conspiracy theories. It's important to consider the motivations behind the publication of such articles.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To further understand the flat Earth phenomenon, additional research could focus on:

• Longitudinal Studies: Tracking changes in belief over time and the effectiveness of educational interventions.
• Demographic Analysis: Investigating which demographic groups are more likely to believe in flat Earth theories and why.
• Comparative Studies: Analyzing flat Earth beliefs in different cultural contexts to understand how local factors influence these views.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "The Earth is flat" is conclusively false based on a substantial body of scientific evidence demonstrating that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. Key evidence includes satellite imagery, gravitational measurements, and historical scientific consensus, all of which contradict the flat Earth assertion. While the resurgence of this belief can be attributed to psychological and sociological factors, as well as the dynamics of misinformation, the scientific community overwhelmingly supports the spherical model of the Earth.

It is important to note that while the evidence against flat Earth beliefs is robust, the persistence of such beliefs highlights broader issues related to scientific literacy and the influence of misinformation. The methodologies used to study these beliefs often have limitations, such as reliance on subjective surveys, which may not fully capture the complexities of why individuals reject scientific consensus.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the sources of claims, especially those that contradict established scientific understanding. Engaging with credible scientific literature and fostering a culture of inquiry can help combat misinformation and promote a better understanding of our world.

Sources

1. Filippo, M. (2021). The Flat Earth Theory: is Evidence-Based Physiotherapy a ... PMC
2. UNLV. (2019). Round Earth Clues: How Science Proves that our Home is ... UNLV
3. Pursuit. (2019). Why do some people believe the Earth is flat? Pursuit
4. NASA. (2023). How Do We Know the Earth Isn't Flat? We Asked a NASA Expert ... NASA
5. NASA. (2020). 90 Years of Our Changing Views of Earth NASA
6. Library of Congress. (2024). Journal Articles - The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List ... LOC
7. Wikipedia. (2023). Flat Earth Wikipedia
8. Physics World. (2020). Fighting flat-Earth theory Physics World
9. Scientific American. (2020). Flat Earthers: What They Believe and Why Scientific American
10. USA Today. (2022). Fact check roundup: Proof that the Earth is round USA Today