How did the theory of the flat earth start?
As most people know, when you stand on the ground and look around, you can’t tell that the Earth is round and looks very flat instead. In order to see the curved horizon, you have to be at least 35,000 ft above the ground. Obviously, this takes advanced technology to accomplish, so for a very long time, people could not see that the Earth had a curve and just thought it was flat. Many ancient philosophers perceived the Earth to be a flat disk floating in the ocean.
Flat Earth Society
Although we have made discoveries and have had technological advances that prove the Earth is round, many people still seem to be infatuated with the idea of the Earth being flat. In the 1830s, the concept of the flat earth was reinstated by a commune in Britain, led by Samuel Birley Rowbotham. This was in response to the scientific progress being made. In the 1950s, the Flat Earth Society was created. The group was based in Britain with around 4,000 members. When social media became popular and started to have a great influence, the organization relaunched itself worldwide in October 2009.
This group has many similar beliefs to the philosophers before they were able to see that the Earth was round. They believe that the Sun and the Moon are about 51 miles in diameter and circle around the flat disk about 3,147 miles away. Some believe that Antarctica spreads infinitely across the world, and some refuse to believe the conventional laws of gravity and instead believe that the flat Earth accelerates upwards and creates the illusion of gravity.
I don’t think the Earth is flat. I don’t know exactly why people choose to believe their theories versus scientific facts, proof, and evidence. I think they might just want to go against society, disagree for attention or entertainment, or they just genuinely think the Earth is flat. I think the scientific evidence is trustworthy and there is no way that the Earth is flat.
Do you think the Earth is flat?
Why do you think some people think the Earth is flat?
What are some ideas/conspiracies you have heard about the flat earth?
Replies
I agree, I have seen so many pictures from space, not just of Earth but also of other planets, that clearly show the Earth is very round and not at all flat. I wonder what a flat earther would be like and if they really are crazy.
I don't think the Earth is flat, because all the evidence and scientists studying the Earth are way smarter than me. However, I think some people think the Earth is flat because they don't care about the evidence, they want to think their own ideas. I haven't really heard much about the Earth being flat.
I agree. Scientists are incredibly smart, so if they say the Earth is flat and they have endless amounts of factual evidence that prove it, I don't see why anyone would choose to not believe it. It's kind of like they're saying they're smarter than the scientists.
I have always thought that the earth was round. I think that people believe this because their previous relatives have believed and taught their children and grandchildren. I also think that some people just want to prove people wrong, even if they are wrong, they want to prove that others are wrong.
I agree, I know many people that argue just for the sake of arguing, and I think that plays a big role here. It's very possible that people claim to be flat earthers just because they enjoy arguing and debating with people about it.
I do not think the Earth is flat, and I never have. I think the people think the Earth is flat because they don't trust the government, and think the pictures of the world are fake. I have heard that the pictures of the earth are fake same with the moon landing.
I agree and I'm glad you have never thought that, because that would be dumb. I also think that flat earther don't like to trust the government with anything, not just the idea of the Earth being round.
I think the earth is flat becuase otherwise planes would just fly out of the atmosphere into space. Photos of a round earth are clearly fake becuase you can see the photoshop ring around the "earth". Just kidding, I think all current flat earth theories come from the want to be different or rejection of change.
I agree, lots of people don't think change and some are clearly so willing to go to any length to stop change from happening. I think it's crazy that some people really do think like that and are just skeptical of every new discovery.
I do not think the earth is flat. I think those people are dumb. I have never herd any conspiracies.
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