Fact Check: The Earth is flat

The Claim: "The Earth is flat"

The assertion that "the Earth is flat" is a long-standing belief that contradicts centuries of scientific evidence supporting the Earth's spherical shape. This claim has gained traction among certain groups, often fueled by skepticism towards scientific institutions and mainstream narratives. In this article, we will explore the evidence surrounding this claim, the reasons behind its persistence, and critically evaluate the sources that discuss it.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: The belief in a flat Earth was prevalent in many ancient cultures, but it has been scientifically disproven since the time of the Ancient Greeks. For instance, Eratosthenes calculated the Earth's circumference around 240 B.C. using shadows cast by sticks in different locations 6.

2. Scientific Evidence: Numerous scientific observations support the spherical model of the Earth. For example, satellite imagery from NASA and other space agencies shows the Earth as a sphere 2. Additionally, phenomena such as the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon and the varying positions of stars in the night sky based on one's latitude further support a spherical Earth 8.

3. Psychological and Sociological Factors: Research indicates that belief in flat Earth theories may be linked to broader conspiratorial thinking and distrust in scientific institutions 47. Some individuals may find comfort in these beliefs as they provide a sense of community and identity among like-minded individuals.

4. Counterarguments: Proponents of the flat Earth theory often cite perceived inconsistencies in scientific explanations and claim that evidence supporting a spherical Earth is fabricated or manipulated by authorities 9. However, these assertions lack empirical support and are often based on anecdotal evidence or misinterpretations of scientific data.

Analysis

The sources available on this topic vary significantly in terms of credibility and bias:

• Scientific Sources: NASA's article 2 provides a well-researched overview of the evidence supporting a spherical Earth, drawing on historical navigation practices and modern satellite data. NASA is a reputable scientific organization, and its findings are widely accepted in the scientific community.

• Academic Perspectives: The article from Scientific American 7 discusses the psychological aspects of flat Earth belief, providing insights into why some individuals reject scientific consensus. This source is credible, as it is published by a respected scientific journal.

• Fact-Checking Outlets: USA Today's fact-checking roundup 8 systematically debunks flat Earth claims, relying on scientific consensus and empirical evidence. Such sources are valuable for their objective analysis and reliance on verified information.

• Cultural Commentary: The article from Pursuit 4 explores the social dynamics behind flat Earth belief, offering a nuanced view of the phenomenon. While it provides context, it may also reflect the biases of its authors, who are likely to be proponents of scientific consensus.

• Wikipedia: The Wikipedia entry on flat Earth 6 provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, including historical and contemporary perspectives. However, as a crowdsourced platform, it is essential to cross-reference its claims with primary sources.

• Skeptical Sources: Articles that focus on how to debate flat-Earthers 10 or discuss the rise of flat Earth belief 9 may carry inherent biases, as they often aim to discredit the belief rather than present an objective analysis.

Overall, while some sources provide credible scientific evidence against flat Earth claims, others may reflect biases or lack rigorous empirical support.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is false, as it contradicts a substantial body of scientific evidence demonstrating the Earth's spherical shape. Key evidence includes historical calculations by figures such as Eratosthenes, modern satellite imagery, and observable phenomena such as the way ships disappear hull-first over the horizon. These findings are supported by reputable scientific organizations and peer-reviewed research.

However, it is important to acknowledge that the persistence of flat Earth beliefs may be influenced by psychological and sociological factors, including distrust in scientific institutions and a desire for community among believers. While the evidence against flat Earth claims is robust, the motivations behind these beliefs are complex and warrant further exploration.

The available evidence is extensive but not exhaustive, and there may be nuances in individual beliefs that are not fully captured in this analysis. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the sources of their beliefs, as well as the broader context in which these discussions occur.

Sources

1. Filippo, M. "The Flat Earth Theory: is Evidence-Based Physiotherapy a ...". PMC. Link
2. "How Do We Know the Earth Isn't Flat? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode 53". NASA. Link
3. "The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List of References". Library of Congress. Link
4. "Why do some people believe the Earth is flat?". Pursuit. Link
5. "Journal Articles - The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List ...". Library of Congress. Link
6. "Flat Earth". Wikipedia. Link
7. "Flat Earthers: What They Believe and Why". Scientific American. Link
8. "Fact check roundup: Proof that the Earth is round". USA TODAY. Link
9. "Fighting flat-Earth theory". Physics World. Link
10. "How to debate a flat-Earther - Proven scientific arguments and ...". Space.com. Link