Fact Check: The Earth is flat

The Claim: "The Earth is flat"

The assertion that "the Earth is flat" represents a long-debunked belief that contradicts centuries of scientific evidence. This claim has gained traction among certain groups, often fueled by conspiracy theories and distrust in established science. This article will explore the available evidence regarding the shape of the Earth, the historical context of flat Earth beliefs, and the ongoing discourse surrounding this topic.

What We Know

1. Historical Understanding: The notion of a spherical Earth dates back to ancient Greece, with philosophers like Pythagoras and later Aristotle providing early evidence for this view. By the Middle Ages, the spherical model was widely accepted among educated individuals in Europe, as noted by sources like the Encyclopedia Britannica 8.

2. Scientific Evidence: Modern science has overwhelmingly demonstrated that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. This conclusion is supported by various forms of evidence, including satellite imagery, the phenomenon of ships disappearing hull-first over the horizon, and the way different stars are visible from different latitudes 248.

3. Flat Earth Advocacy: Despite the scientific consensus, there remains a vocal minority that advocates for flat Earth theories. These groups often rely on anecdotal evidence and interpretations of visual phenomena that they argue support their claims. For instance, some flat Earthers assert that photographic evidence from space is manipulated 9.

4. Psychological and Social Factors: Research indicates that belief in flat Earth theories may be linked to broader anti-science sentiments and conspiracy thinking. A study highlighted by Scientific American discusses how these beliefs often correlate with distrust in governmental and scientific institutions 7.

5. Cultural Context: The flat Earth belief has historical roots, with various ancient cultures subscribing to this view before empirical evidence emerged. The resurgence of flat Earth advocacy in the modern era is often attributed to social media's role in spreading misinformation 68.

Analysis

The claim that the Earth is flat is largely unsupported by empirical evidence and is contradicted by centuries of scientific research. The sources that promote flat Earth theories often lack rigorous scientific backing and may exhibit bias due to their ideological stances. For example, the Flat Earth Wikipedia page provides a comprehensive overview of the historical context and the scientific rebuttals to flat Earth claims, but it also highlights the persistence of these beliefs in contemporary society 6.

Conversely, sources such as NASA and Scientific American present well-documented scientific evidence supporting the spherical model of the Earth. NASA's expert insights emphasize the historical navigation practices that relied on a spherical Earth, which adds credibility to their claims 2. However, it is important to note that NASA, as a government agency, may be viewed with skepticism by those who already distrust established institutions.

The methodology employed by flat Earth advocates often involves selective interpretation of evidence and a rejection of peer-reviewed scientific research. For instance, the claims made in IFLScience regarding the supposed proofs of a flat Earth are critiqued for lacking scientific rigor and relying on anecdotal observations 9.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To further evaluate the flat Earth claim, additional empirical studies examining the psychological profiles of flat Earth believers could provide insights into why these beliefs persist despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of the social media strategies employed by flat Earth advocates could shed light on how misinformation spreads and influences public perception.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is false, as it is contradicted by extensive scientific evidence and historical understanding. Key evidence supporting this verdict includes centuries of research confirming the Earth's oblate spheroid shape, as demonstrated through satellite imagery, navigation practices, and observable phenomena such as the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon.

While there is a vocal minority that promotes flat Earth theories, their arguments often rely on anecdotal evidence and selective interpretations, lacking the rigorous scientific backing found in credible sources. It is also important to recognize that belief in flat Earth theories may be influenced by psychological and social factors, including distrust in established institutions.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. The persistence of flat Earth beliefs highlights the complexities of human cognition and the influence of misinformation, particularly in the age of social media.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the weight of evidence before forming conclusions on such claims.

Sources

1. Filippo, M. (2021). The Flat Earth Theory: is Evidence-Based Physiotherapy a ... Retrieved from PMC
2. NASA. How Do We Know the Earth Isn't Flat? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode 53. Retrieved from NASA
3. Freitag, R. S. The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List of References. Retrieved from Library of Congress
4. Pursuit. Why do some people believe the Earth is flat? Retrieved from Pursuit
5. Library of Congress. Journal Articles - The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List ... Retrieved from Library of Congress
6. Wikipedia. Flat Earth. Retrieved from Wikipedia
7. Scientific American. Flat Earthers: What They Believe and Why. Retrieved from Scientific American
8. Britannica. Flat Earth | Theory, Model, Meaning, & Facts. Retrieved from Britannica
9. IFLScience. Seven Things That "Prove" The Earth Is Flat, According To ... Retrieved from IFLScience
10. Physics World. Fighting flat-Earth theory. Retrieved from Physics World