Fact Check: The Earth is flat

The Earth is Flat: A Detailed Examination of the Claim

Introduction

The claim that "the Earth is flat" has persisted through centuries, despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the Earth's spherical shape. This assertion has gained traction in recent years, particularly on social media platforms, where it is often linked to broader conspiracy theories. This article explores the claim by examining available evidence, expert opinions, and the sociocultural factors contributing to the belief in a flat Earth.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: The idea of a flat Earth was common in ancient civilizations. However, empirical observations, such as the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon and the round shadow of the Earth on the Moon during a lunar eclipse, have historically supported a spherical model of the Earth 7.

2. Scientific Consensus: The scientific community overwhelmingly supports the view that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. NASA and other space agencies have provided photographic evidence from space, demonstrating the Earth's curvature 2. Furthermore, the principles of physics, such as gravity, also support a spherical Earth.

3. Current Beliefs: Despite the scientific consensus, some individuals continue to advocate for the flat Earth theory. Research indicates that these beliefs are often tied to distrust in scientific institutions and a preference for personal observation over established scientific evidence 46.

4. Skepticism and Conspiracy Theories: The flat Earth belief is often associated with broader anti-science sentiments and conspiracy theories. Many flat Earthers express skepticism towards government and scientific authorities, viewing their claims as part of a larger deception 610.

Analysis

The claim that the Earth is flat is supported by a small but vocal community that often relies on anecdotal evidence and personal testimonies rather than empirical data. For instance, some flat Earth proponents argue that the lack of observable curvature in the horizon is proof of a flat Earth 8. However, this argument fails to account for the vast scale of the Earth and the limitations of human perception.

1. Source Reliability:

   • NASA's Expert Insights: NASA's explanations regarding the Earth's shape are grounded in extensive scientific research and empirical evidence, making them highly credible 2.
   • Scientific American: Articles from reputable scientific publications, such as Scientific American, provide a thorough examination of flat Earth beliefs and their psychological underpinnings, enhancing their reliability 6.
   • Pseudoscientific Claims: Many sources promoting flat Earth theories often lack scientific rigor and are published on platforms that do not adhere to peer-reviewed standards. For example, claims made in articles that list supposed "proofs" for a flat Earth often rely on misinterpretations of physics and observational data 8.

2. Methodological Concerns: The methodologies used by flat Earth advocates often involve selective observation and anecdotal evidence, which can lead to confirmation bias. For example, proponents may disregard extensive scientific data that contradicts their beliefs while focusing on isolated observations that seem to support their claims 49.

3. Conflicts of Interest: Some sources promoting flat Earth theories may have underlying agendas, such as promoting anti-establishment views or selling related merchandise. This can lead to biased interpretations of evidence and a lack of accountability in their claims 6.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the Earth is flat is categorically false, as it contradicts a substantial body of scientific evidence supporting the Earth's spherical shape. Key evidence includes the extensive photographic documentation from space agencies like NASA, the observable phenomena of ships disappearing hull-first over the horizon, and the round shadow cast by the Earth during lunar eclipses.

It is important to recognize that the persistence of flat Earth beliefs often stems from a broader distrust in scientific institutions and a preference for personal observation over empirical data. While the motivations behind these beliefs can be complex, they do not alter the scientific consensus.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence. While the scientific community overwhelmingly supports the spherical model of the Earth, the psychological and sociocultural factors influencing flat Earth beliefs warrant further exploration.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the credibility of sources when encountering claims that contradict established scientific understanding.

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. University of Melbourne. (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. Marshall, M. (n.d.). Flat Earthers: What They Believe and Why | Scientific American. 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. Brazil, R. (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