Why flat earthers scare me

Sabine Hossenfelder7 minutes read

Belief in a flat Earth is growing, leading to disagreements on continent locations and a rejection of basic science education, culminating in a global conspiracy theory gaining traction on platforms like TikTok.

Insights

  • Flat Earth beliefs are centered around the idea of a disc-shaped Earth with the North Pole at the center and the South Pole acting as a barrier, but followers struggle to reach a consensus on continent locations and the South Pole's extent, leading to a unique Flat Earth Multiverse Theory.
  • Embracing the Flat Earth theory involves rejecting fundamental scientific principles, such as perspective and trigonometry, and believing in a global conspiracy orchestrated by physicists, indicating a broader problem of scientific illiteracy and distrust in society.

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Recent questions

  • What is the Flat Earth theory?

    The Flat Earth theory posits the Earth as a disc with a North Pole at the center and the South Pole as a wall preventing water from escaping.

  • Why do Flat Earthers struggle to agree on details?

    Flat Earthers struggle to agree on continent locations, numbers, and the extent of the South Pole, leading to the development of the flat Earth Multiverse Theory.

  • What concepts do Flat Earthers misunderstand?

    Flat Earthers misunderstand basic science concepts like perspective, trigonometry, and cameras, which are essential to their belief in a flat Earth.

  • Why do Flat Earthers reject basic science education?

    Belief in a flat Earth requires rejecting basic science education, as it contradicts their understanding of the Earth's shape and the principles of physics.

  • Why has interest in Flat Earth ideas surged?

    Interest in Flat Earth ideas has surged in the past decade, with the movement gaining traction on platforms like TikTok, reflecting a broader issue of scientific illiteracy and distrust in established scientific principles.

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Summary

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Rising Flat Earth Movement Challenges Science

  • Flat Earth beliefs are growing, with followers envisioning the Earth as a disc with a North Pole at the center and the South Pole as a wall preventing water from escaping.
  • Flat Earthers struggle to agree on continent locations, numbers, or the extent of the South Pole, leading to a flat Earth Multiverse Theory.
  • Belief in a flat Earth necessitates rejecting basic science education, misunderstanding concepts like perspective, trigonometry, and cameras.
  • Embracing a flat Earth requires believing in a global conspiracy, dismissing physics, and accusing physicists of fabricating information.
  • Interest in Flat Earth ideas has surged in the past decade, with the movement gaining traction on platforms like TikTok, highlighting a broader issue of scientific illiteracy and distrust.
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