Who Said That the Earth is Flat?

The notion of a flat Earth isn’t attributed to a single historical figure but represents a recurrent belief, especially within pre-scientific societies. While no prominent, universally recognized scientist ever declared the Earth flat, the modern resurgence of the idea can be traced to Samuel Birley Rowbotham, the 19th-century English inventor who popularized the Zetetic Astronomy theory.

The Genesis of Flat Earth Beliefs

The idea of a flat Earth predates scientific understanding of the cosmos and can be found in various ancient cultures. Mythologies and early cosmological models often depicted the Earth as a flat disc, sometimes covered by a dome-like sky. However, these were often philosophical or religious explanations rather than empirically derived conclusions.

• Ancient Egypt: Some ancient Egyptian texts depict the Earth as a flat disc floating on water, covered by the goddess Nut as the sky.
• Mesopotamia: Early Mesopotamian maps similarly envisioned a flat, circular Earth surrounded by water.
• Norse Mythology: Norse mythology describes Midgard, the realm of humans, as a flat disc located in the middle of the world tree, Yggdrasil.

It’s important to note that these early models were often based on limited observations and cultural narratives, and shouldn’t be equated with the modern flat Earth movement, which often rejects established science and promotes conspiracy theories.

Samuel Birley Rowbotham and Zetetic Astronomy

The individual most responsible for the modern flat Earth movement is undoubtedly Samuel Birley Rowbotham, also known as “Parallax.” In the mid-19th century, Rowbotham developed and promoted Zetetic Astronomy, a system claiming to prove the Earth is a flat, stationary plane centered on the North Pole, with the Sun, Moon, and stars revolving above it.

Rowbotham’s core methodology involved empirical observation – selectively interpreted – and a rejection of scientific reasoning. He conducted experiments, most notably the Bedford Level experiment, to supposedly demonstrate the lack of curvature on a long stretch of water. His findings, however, were heavily criticized for being flawed and selectively reported.

His ideas were published in his book, “Zetetic Astronomy: Earth Not a Globe,” which became the foundational text for the modern flat Earth belief system. Rowbotham was a skilled debater and used lectures and pamphlets to spread his views, attracting a following that continued after his death.

The Modern Resurgence of Flat Earth Beliefs

While Rowbotham’s ideas persisted in small circles, the internet has been instrumental in the modern resurgence of flat Earth beliefs. Social media platforms, particularly YouTube and Facebook, have provided fertile ground for the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories.

• The Power of Algorithms: Algorithms can create echo chambers, reinforcing existing beliefs and limiting exposure to alternative perspectives. Flat Earthers often find themselves within these echo chambers, further solidifying their beliefs.
• Confirmation Bias: Flat Earthers often seek out information that confirms their beliefs while ignoring or dismissing evidence to the contrary. This is a common cognitive bias that contributes to the persistence of false beliefs.
• Lack of Scientific Literacy: A general lack of scientific literacy and critical thinking skills makes individuals more susceptible to accepting misinformation, including flat Earth theories.

Individuals like Mark Sargent, a prominent figure in the modern flat Earth movement, have used YouTube to create and disseminate videos promoting flat Earth theories. These videos often feature pseudo-scientific arguments, selectively interpreted data, and attacks on mainstream science and institutions. The appeal often lies in the sense of community and the perceived empowerment of “knowing the truth” that others are supposedly hiding.

Debunking Flat Earth Claims

The overwhelming scientific evidence for a spherical Earth is irrefutable. Countless observations, experiments, and data points from various fields of science, including astronomy, physics, and geology, confirm the Earth’s shape. Here are just a few examples:

• Satellite Imagery: Satellites orbiting the Earth provide continuous photographic and video evidence of its spherical shape.
• Circumnavigation: People have sailed and flown around the world, proving its spherical nature.
• Lunar Eclipses: The Earth’s round shadow cast on the Moon during a lunar eclipse is consistent with a spherical Earth.
• Different Constellations: Different constellations are visible from different locations on Earth, which would not be possible on a flat Earth.
• Ships Disappearing Hull First: Ships disappear hull first over the horizon, demonstrating the curvature of the Earth.

Despite this overwhelming evidence, flat Earthers continue to reject mainstream science, often citing conspiracy theories and distrust of scientific institutions. Understanding the reasons behind the persistence of these beliefs is crucial to combating misinformation and promoting scientific literacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Flat Earth Theory

H3 FAQ 1: What is the Bedford Level experiment?

The Bedford Level experiment was conducted by Samuel Birley Rowbotham to “prove” the Earth is flat. He claimed that by observing a boat over a six-mile stretch of water, he could not detect any curvature, thereby disproving the Earth’s spherical shape. However, his methods were flawed and selectively reported, and subsequent experiments, conducted with proper equipment and methodology, have consistently demonstrated the Earth’s curvature. The original experiment is often cited by modern flat Earthers, but its scientific validity is non-existent.

H3 FAQ 2: How do flat Earthers explain gravity?

Flat Earthers typically reject the concept of gravity as described by modern physics. Instead, they often propose that the flat Earth is constantly accelerating upwards, propelled by an unknown force. This constant acceleration is what they believe causes objects to fall towards the ground. This explanation, however, contradicts known physics and lacks any empirical support.

H3 FAQ 3: What is the “dome” that flat Earthers believe covers the Earth?

Many flat Earth models include a physical dome or firmament that covers the flat Earth. This dome is often described as being impenetrable and containing the Sun, Moon, and stars. They often cite religious texts to support the existence of this dome, although interpretations of these texts are highly debated. There is absolutely no scientific evidence for the existence of such a dome.

H3 FAQ 4: How do flat Earthers explain eclipses?

Flat Earthers offer various explanations for eclipses, often involving a “shadow object” that passes in front of the Sun or Moon. These explanations often lack scientific rigor and are inconsistent with observed phenomena. For example, they struggle to explain the precise timing and characteristics of eclipses, which are accurately predicted by scientific models based on a spherical Earth and the laws of physics.

H3 FAQ 5: What evidence do flat Earthers offer to support their claims?

Flat Earthers typically rely on anecdotal evidence, selectively interpreted data, and conspiracy theories to support their claims. They often conduct their own “experiments,” which are usually poorly designed and prone to bias. They also cite purported inconsistencies in scientific explanations and question the motives of scientists and institutions. However, their evidence is consistently debunked by rigorous scientific analysis.

H3 FAQ 6: How does the flat Earth model account for time zones?

Explaining time zones presents a significant challenge for the flat Earth model. Some flat Earthers propose that the Sun is a spotlight that moves across the flat Earth, illuminating different regions at different times. However, this model fails to account for several observed phenomena, such as the length of daylight hours at different latitudes and the fact that it’s never daylight across the entire Earth simultaneously.

H3 FAQ 7: What motivates people to believe in a flat Earth?

Several factors can contribute to flat Earth belief. These include a distrust of authority, a susceptibility to conspiracy theories, a lack of scientific literacy, and a desire to feel special or enlightened by “knowing the truth” that others are supposedly hiding. Social media and online communities also play a significant role in reinforcing these beliefs.

H3 FAQ 8: How can I talk to someone who believes the Earth is flat?

Engaging in a productive conversation with a flat Earther can be challenging. It’s important to remain respectful and avoid being condescending. Focus on presenting factual information and evidence rather than attacking their beliefs directly. Ask open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and avoid getting drawn into arguments based on emotion or conspiracy theories.

H3 FAQ 9: What is the Flat Earth Society?

The Flat Earth Society is an organization that promotes the belief that the Earth is flat. It was founded in the mid-20th century by Samuel Shenton and is now led by a different individual. The Society maintains a website and publishes literature promoting flat Earth theories.

H3 FAQ 10: Is there any scientific basis for flat Earth theory?

Absolutely not. There is zero scientific basis for flat Earth theory. The overwhelming scientific evidence from various fields of science, including astronomy, physics, and geology, confirms that the Earth is a sphere (more accurately, an oblate spheroid).

H3 FAQ 11: How does GPS work on a flat Earth?

GPS relies on a network of satellites orbiting the Earth. The system uses triangulation to determine a receiver’s location based on signals from multiple satellites. This system is fundamentally incompatible with a flat Earth model and would not function as it does if the Earth were flat. Flat Earthers often propose convoluted explanations for GPS functionality that lack any scientific basis.

H3 FAQ 12: Are there any scientists who believe the Earth is flat?

No, there are no credible scientists who believe the Earth is flat. The scientific community overwhelmingly accepts the scientific consensus that the Earth is a sphere. While some individuals with scientific backgrounds may express flat Earth beliefs, their views are not supported by scientific evidence and are generally considered to be fringe theories.