Fact Check: The Earth is flat

The Claim: "The Earth is flat"

The assertion that "the Earth is flat" has gained traction among certain groups, despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the Earth's spherical shape. This claim has historical roots and has recently seen a resurgence, particularly through social media and documentaries. This article will explore the evidence surrounding this claim, the arguments made by flat Earth proponents, and the scientific rebuttals to these assertions.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: The belief in a flat Earth has existed for centuries, with many ancient cultures subscribing to this view. However, scientific consensus has long established that the Earth is an oblate spheroid, a conclusion supported by various forms of evidence, including astronomical observations and circumnavigation of the globe 64.

2. Scientific Evidence: Numerous scientific studies and observations confirm the Earth's roundness. For instance, NASA has provided extensive documentation and visual evidence from space missions, illustrating the Earth as a sphere 2. Additionally, phenomena such as the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon and the varying angles of the sun at different latitudes further support this conclusion 5.

3. Flat Earth Movement: Despite the scientific consensus, a segment of the population continues to advocate for the flat Earth theory. This resurgence has been linked to a broader distrust in scientific authorities and institutions, often fueled by conspiracy theories 39.

4. Public Perception: Surveys indicate that a small but notable percentage of the population believes in the flat Earth theory, often correlating with other conspiracy beliefs 9. This suggests a complex interplay between education, trust in science, and social influences.

Analysis

The claim that the Earth is flat is primarily supported by anecdotal evidence and interpretations of scientific data that are often taken out of context. For example, proponents may argue that because the Earth appears flat from a human perspective, it must be flat. However, this argument fails to consider the scale of the Earth and the limitations of human perception 3.

Source Evaluation

• Scientific Sources: NASA's explanations and educational materials are grounded in rigorous scientific research and peer-reviewed data 2. The agency has a strong reputation for reliability and transparency, making its information highly credible.

• Academic Perspectives: Articles from reputable universities, such as the University of Melbourne and UNLV, provide insights into why some individuals might cling to flat Earth beliefs despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary 35. These sources often analyze the psychological and sociological factors behind such beliefs, which adds depth to the discussion.

• Pseudoscientific Claims: The flat Earth theory itself is often categorized as pseudoscience. Sources that promote this view may lack rigorous scientific backing and often rely on anecdotal evidence or misinterpretations of scientific principles 64.

• Potential Biases: Some sources discussing the flat Earth theory may have inherent biases, particularly if they are aligned with specific ideological or political agendas. For instance, articles that sensationalize the flat Earth movement may do so to attract attention or promote a particular viewpoint, rather than to provide an objective analysis 39.

Methodological Concerns

The methodologies used by flat Earth proponents often lack scientific rigor. Claims are frequently based on personal observations or interpretations rather than controlled experiments or peer-reviewed studies. This raises questions about the validity of their conclusions and the reliability of their evidence.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is categorically false, as it contradicts a vast body of scientific evidence demonstrating that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes extensive documentation from NASA, observations of celestial phenomena, and the physical principles of gravity and curvature.

However, it is important to acknowledge that the persistence of flat Earth beliefs can be attributed to psychological and sociological factors, including distrust in scientific authorities and the influence of conspiracy theories. While the scientific community overwhelmingly supports the spherical model of the Earth, the reasons behind the belief in a flat Earth highlight the complexities of human cognition and social dynamics.

Limitations in the available evidence primarily stem from the nature of belief systems, which are often resistant to change despite empirical data. The arguments presented by flat Earth proponents frequently rely on anecdotal evidence and misinterpretations, which complicates the discourse surrounding this topic.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the sources and methodologies behind claims, especially those that challenge established scientific consensus. Engaging with credible scientific literature and fostering a healthy skepticism towards unverified claims can help navigate the complexities of such discussions.

Sources

1. Maselli F. and Mourad F. The Flat Earth Theory: is Evidence-Based Physiotherapy a Sphere? - PMC. Available at: PMC
2. How Do We Know the Earth Isn't Flat? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode 53. NASA. Available at: NASA
3. Why do some people believe the Earth is flat? | Pursuit by the University of Melbourne. Available at: Pursuit
4. Journal Articles - The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List of References - Research Guides at Library of Congress. Available at: Library of Congress
5. Round Earth Clues: How Science Proves that our Home is a Globe | UNLV. Available at: UNLV
6. Flat Earth - Wikipedia. Available at: Wikipedia
7. The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List of References. Available at: Library of Congress
8. Unconventional Theories about the Earth's Shape: Both Ancient and Modern. Available at: Library of Congress
9. Conspiracy vs. Science: A Survey of U.S. Public Beliefs. Available at: Carsey Institute
10. What Would Happen if the Earth Were Actually Flat? Available at: Columbia University