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 in recent years, particularly among certain groups who advocate for the Flat Earth Theory. The following article examines the available evidence, expert opinions, and the broader context surrounding this claim without reaching a definitive conclusion.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: The idea that the Earth is spherical dates back to ancient Greece, with philosophers like Pythagoras and Aristotle providing early evidence for this view. By the Middle Ages, the spherical nature of the Earth was widely accepted among educated individuals in Europe 10.

2. Scientific Consensus: Modern science overwhelmingly supports the view that the Earth is an oblate spheroid, as confirmed by various methods, including satellite imagery, space exploration, and geodesy. NASA and other space agencies have provided extensive photographic evidence from space that depicts the Earth as a globe 37.

3. Flat Earth Beliefs: Despite the scientific consensus, some individuals and groups continue to advocate for the Flat Earth Theory. Research indicates that belief in this theory is often linked to distrust in scientific authorities and a desire for alternative explanations of reality 24.

4. Consequences of a Flat Earth: Hypothetical scenarios have been discussed regarding the implications of a flat Earth, such as the collapse of GPS systems and atmospheric conditions that would be impossible under a flat model 8.

Analysis

Credibility of Sources

• Scientific Institutions: Sources like NASA 37 and academic institutions such as UNLV 4 provide credible, peer-reviewed information based on extensive research and empirical evidence. These institutions are generally regarded as reliable due to their adherence to scientific methods and rigorous standards.

• University Research: The University of Melbourne's article 2 explores the psychological and sociological aspects of Flat Earth beliefs, which adds depth to the understanding of why some people cling to this theory despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. However, it is essential to note that this article primarily reflects opinions and interpretations rather than empirical data.

• Pseudoscientific Perspectives: The Wikipedia entry on Flat Earth 10 provides a broad overview of the topic, but it may be subject to bias due to the open-editing nature of the platform. While it can be a useful starting point, it should be supplemented with more authoritative sources.

• Research Guides: The Library of Congress 69 offers a compilation of articles and resources related to the Flat Earth Theory. While these guides can be informative, they may also reflect a particular perspective on the topic, emphasizing the pseudoscientific nature of the claims.

Methodology and Evidence

The evidence supporting the spherical Earth is robust and multifaceted, including:

• Photographic Evidence: Images from space clearly show the Earth as a globe. This evidence is often dismissed by Flat Earth proponents as fabricated, raising questions about the reliability of their counter-evidence.

• Geodesy: The science of measuring the Earth's shape and gravitational field has consistently confirmed its spherical nature. Flat Earth arguments often lack scientific rigor and fail to provide a plausible alternative explanation for geodetic observations 5.

• Psychological Factors: Understanding why some individuals believe in the Flat Earth Theory involves examining cognitive biases, social influences, and the role of misinformation in shaping beliefs 2. This context is crucial for a comprehensive analysis of the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "the Earth is flat" is false, as it contradicts a vast body of scientific evidence demonstrating that the Earth is an oblate spheroid. Key evidence supporting this verdict includes historical acceptance of a spherical Earth, extensive photographic documentation from space, and scientific measurements that confirm the Earth's shape.

However, it is important to acknowledge that belief in the Flat Earth Theory persists among certain groups, often fueled by distrust in scientific authorities and a preference for alternative explanations. This highlights the psychological and sociological dimensions of belief systems, which can complicate the public's understanding of scientific consensus.

While the evidence supporting the spherical nature of the Earth is robust, it is essential to recognize that misinformation and cognitive biases can influence perceptions. Therefore, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the sources of their beliefs.

Sources

1. The Flat Earth Theory: is Evidence-Based Physiotherapy a Sphere? - PMC. Link
2. Why do some people believe the Earth is flat? | Pursuit by the University of Melbourne. Link
3. How Do We Know the Earth Isn't Flat? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode 53 - NASA. Link
4. Round Earth Clues: How Science Proves that our Home is a Globe | UNLV. Link
5. How Do We Know the Earth Is Round? | Ask An Earth And Space Scientist. Link
6. Journal Articles - The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List. Link
7. 90 Years of Our Changing Views of Earth - NASA. Link
8. What Would Happen if the Earth Were Actually Flat? – State of the Planet. Link
9. Introduction - The Flat Earth and its Advocates: A List of References - Research Guides at Library of Congress. Link
10. Flat Earth - Wikipedia. Link