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How to debate a flat-Earther: Proven scientific arguments and strategies

Michie

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On the side of a globe earth. But I thought this a good read for those interested. And enjoy debating this topic.

Why do people believe the flat Earth theory and is it even worth debating?


graphic illustration showing what flat-earther's believe our planet looks like, a flat disk.

Some people around the world believe our planet is flat. Here's the (surprising) truth about debating them. (Image credit: kevron2001 via Getty Images)

For many centuries a wealth of scientific evidence has demonstrated that the Earth is a sphere. Despite this overwhelming proof from the fields of physics, astronomy and even everyday observations, Flat Earthers reject mainstream science and still believe in Flat Earth theory.

But why do people believe the Earth is flat and how can you effectively debate their claims?

To put it bluntly, we know more about the curvature of Earth than almost any other topic in the realm of physical science. There are countless experiments, observations and demonstrations that have, time and time again, revealed the curve of the Earth.


Continued below.
 
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Yttrium

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Like I've said elsewhere, it's all about the paranoia. Once they conclude that there's a vast conspiracy out to get them, they come up with a convenient conspiracy, in this case a flat Earth. All evidence opposing them becomes fake, crafted by the conspirators.

I'm not wild about debates in the first place, since they're usually just charisma contests rather than an exploration of the truth. You don't decide science with a debate, you actually go out and use the scientific method to study stuff. Debates are completely pointless with flat Earthers, because bringing evidence to the table is a waste of time when all they do is casually dismiss it as fake.

I think the best approach to flat Earthers is just to leave them alone and laugh at the silly things they come up with.
 
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Rose_bud

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Like I've said elsewhere, it's all about the paranoia. Once they conclude that there's a vast conspiracy out to get them, they come up with a convenient conspiracy, in this case a flat Earth. All evidence opposing them becomes fake, crafted by the conspirators.

I'm not wild about debates in the first place, since they're usually just charisma contests rather than an exploration of the truth. You don't decide science with a debate, you actually go out and use the scientific method to study stuff. Debates are completely pointless with flat Earthers, because bringing evidence to the table is a waste of time when all they do is casually dismiss it as fake.

I think the best approach to flat Earthers is just to leave them alone and laugh at the silly things they come up with.
Could be why the forum falls under the hobbies, interest and entertainment section.:scratch:
 
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HantsUK

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This was an interesting post. It's not about the scientific evidence for a globed earth, but about the underlying fear and mistrust of scientists, academics, governments.
Another important aspect is not understanding the subject matter.

For the flat earth: not understanding basic maths (in particular, basic geometry), basic physics, or how things look and move in 3D.
 
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David Lamb

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I've often wondered about people that think the earth is flat. If you have a slightly elevated view of a long distance you can clearly see the earth is concave.
I think you probably meant "convex."

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jacks

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I think you probably meant "convex."
Next time I will put a Smiley Face in the post. ;)

Obviously concave otherwise the water would just run out over all the dry land. :)
 
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