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That Time Geocentrists Tricked A Bunch of Physicists

Folding Ideas・33 minutes read

Writer and director Dan Olson discovered 'The Principle' while researching a flat earth documentary, which claims Earth is the center of the universe and promotes geocentrism. Prominent physicists like Lawrence Krauss and Michio Kaku disavowed the film, and the filmmakers strategically frame discredited ideas to create the appearance of scientific consensus.

Insights

  • The documentary 'The Principle' promotes the controversial idea of geocentrism, claiming Earth is the center of the universe, contradicting established scientific knowledge like heliocentrism. This belief is based on cosmic microwave background radiation, which is disputed by scientific evidence, leading to criticism from prominent physicists like Lawrence Krauss and Michio Kaku.
  • The filmmakers behind 'The Principle', Rick DeLano and Katheryne Thomas, utilize deceptive tactics like framing and juxtaposition to present discredited ideas as plausible, creating an illusion of scientific consensus and implying a conspiracy to suppress contradictory information. Participants in the film, including Kate Mulgrew and Lawrence Krauss, have publicly denounced their involvement, citing being misled about the project's true nature and context, sparking controversy and criticism.

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Recent questions

  • What is the controversy surrounding 'The Principle' documentary?

    The controversy around 'The Principle' stems from its claim that Earth is the center of the universe, contradicting established scientific knowledge like the Earth orbiting the sun. Prominent physicists like Lawrence Krauss and Michio Kaku, who were featured in the trailer, later disavowed the film. Kate Mulgrew and Lawrence Krauss publicly denounced their involvement, stating they were misled about the film's content. The producers defended the film, claiming it's about cosmology, not geocentrism, and accusing critics of misinterpretation.

  • Who are the key figures behind 'The Principle' documentary?

    The filmmakers behind 'The Principle' are writer/producer Rick DeLano and director/editor Katheryne Thomas. Rick DeLano is a Catholic fundamentalist and a believer in geocentrism, maintaining a blog titled Magisterial Fundies. Executive producer Robert Sungenis holds a doctorate from an unaccredited university and associates with individuals with questionable credentials. Martin Selbrede, a geocentrist and theologian, is associated with the Chalcedon Foundation, advocating for Biblical laws and opposing anti-discrimination laws.

  • What is the main argument presented in 'The Principle' documentary?

    The central claim of 'The Principle' is based on cosmic microwave background radiation, suggesting Earth is cosmically significant, which is disputed by scientific evidence. Geocentrism, as proposed in the film, requires discarding established scientific principles like gravity and relativity, leading to a cascade of scientific inaccuracies. The film aims to establish Earth as a significant and special place in the universe, challenging the Copernican principle.

  • How do the filmmakers of 'The Principle' respond to criticism?

    The filmmakers of 'The Principle' respond to criticism by posting extended clips and image release forms, attempting to justify their methods. They claim that the film is about cosmology, not geocentrism, and accuse critics of misinterpretation. Despite controversy and disavowals from prominent physicists like Lawrence Krauss and Michio Kaku, the producers defend the film's content and message.

  • What is the connection between 'The Principle' and the Second Vatican Council?

    Traditionalist Catholic Robert Sungenis, associated with 'The Principle', opposes the Second Vatican Council's modernizing efforts and views on Jews and non-Catholic Christians. The Second Vatican Council aimed to modernize the Catholic Church, allowing Mass in languages other than Latin and changing views on Jews and non-Catholic Christians. Sungenis criticizes the Council for not upholding traditional Church discipline and views liberalism negatively.

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Summary

00:00

Controversial Documentary Challenges Established Scientific Knowledge

  • Dan Olson, writer and director of 'In Search of a Flat Earth', discovered 'The Principle' while researching a flat earth documentary on YouTube.
  • The documentary featured clips from another film narrated by Kate Mulgrew, discussing geocentric models developed by astronomers like Tico Brahe.
  • The film claimed the Earth is the center of the universe, contradicting established scientific knowledge like the Earth orbiting the sun.
  • The central claim of 'The Principle' is based on cosmic microwave background radiation, suggesting Earth is cosmically significant, which is disputed by scientific evidence.
  • Geocentrism, as proposed in the film, requires discarding established scientific principles like gravity and relativity, leading to a cascade of scientific inaccuracies.
  • In 2014, controversy arose around 'The Principle' trailer, featuring prominent physicists like Lawrence Krauss and Michio Kaku, who later disavowed the film.
  • Kate Mulgrew and Lawrence Krauss publicly denounced their involvement in 'The Principle', stating they were misled about the film's content.
  • The producers of 'The Principle' defended the film against criticism, claiming it's about cosmology, not geocentrism, and accusing critics of misinterpretation.
  • The film itself presents a mix of interviews with scientists and religious figures, avoiding extreme claims but promoting a vague exploration of faith and science.
  • 'The Principle' is critiqued for using a bad-faith debate tactic of 'Just Asking Questions', presenting itself as neutral while subtly pushing an ideological agenda.

14:17

Controversial Film "The Principle" Sparks Debate

  • The film "The Principle" suggests that Earth is at the center of the universe, appealing to Christian faith-film audiences and new-age spirituality followers.
  • The filmmakers behind "The Principle" are writer/producer Rick DeLano and director/editor Katheryne Thomas, who have continued working together despite differing opinions.
  • Rick DeLano is a Catholic fundamentalist and a believer in geocentrism, maintaining a blog titled Magisterial Fundies and expressing controversial views.
  • Executive producer Robert Sungenis holds a doctorate from an unaccredited university and associates with individuals with questionable credentials.
  • The Guild of Energists, associated with Robert Sungenis, promotes self-help ideas with questionable metaphysical beliefs.
  • Traditionalist Catholic Robert Sungenis opposes the Second Vatican Council's modernizing efforts and views on Jews and non-Catholic Christians.
  • The Second Vatican Council aimed to modernize the Catholic Church, allowing Mass in languages other than Latin and changing views on Jews and non-Catholic Christians.
  • Robert Sungenis criticizes the Second Vatican Council for not upholding traditional Church discipline and views liberalism negatively.
  • Martin Selbrede, a geocentrist and theologian, is associated with the Chalcedon Foundation, advocating for Biblical laws and opposing anti-discrimination laws.
  • The Chalcedon Foundation, led by Martin Selbrede, has been labeled a hate group for its extreme views, including support for Biblical law that could lead to state-sanctioned punishment for certain behaviors.

28:21

"The Principle" challenges scientific consensus with geocentrism.

  • Social hostility towards homosexuality could push gay individuals back into the closet before making homosexuality illegal or a capital offense.
  • Libertarians oppose large nation states like the USA due to the belief that large nations naturally become multicultural, allowing minority cultures to unite and advocate for their interests.
  • Smaller, local Christian hegemons are seen as better equipped to enforce Biblical law and suppress the underclass.
  • The film "The Principle" is structured to suggest that scientists secretly agree with the philosophical core of the film.
  • The documentary strategically frames discredited ideas as plausible and supported without outright lying.
  • The filmmakers use techniques like framing, juxtaposition, and the Kuleshov effect to create the appearance of consensus among scientists.
  • The film implies a conspiracy suppressing information that contradicts prevailing scientific evidence.
  • Participants in the film claim they were misled about the project's scope and context, leading to controversy.
  • The filmmakers respond to criticism by posting extended clips and image release forms, attempting to justify their methods.
  • The film promotes geocentrism and challenges the Copernican principle, aiming to establish Earth as a significant and special place in the universe.

43:06

"Multiple universes spark societal breakdown and prejudice"

  • The text discusses the concept of multiple universes leading to societal breakdown, with individuals like DeLano, Sungenis, and Selbrede fearing "The Other" and believing in their superiority. It also humorously assigns sexual orientations to planets and moons, emphasizing the importance of respecting people's identities and relationships.
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