earther

In recent years, the term “flat-earther” has gained a lot of attention and notoriety. While it may seem like a term from a bygone era, there are still people today who believe that the Earth is flat. This belief has become known as the “Flat Earth Theory” or “Flat Earth Movement.” In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what being a flat-earther means in English, the history of the movement, and its current place in society.

The Beliefs of Flat-Earthers

At its core, the flat earth theory asserts that the Earth is not a sphere, as modern science has proven, but rather a flat disk. According to this theory, the Earth is surrounded by a wall of ice, and the sun, moon, and stars all revolve around it. Flat-earthers also believe that gravity is not real and that objects are pulled towards the Earth by some unknown force.

The History of the Flat Earth Movement

The belief that the Earth is flat dates back to ancient civilizations, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that it gained traction in modern times. In the 1800s, a man named Samuel Rowbotham published a book called “Zetetic Astronomy: Earth Not a Globe,” which argued that the Earth was flat. This book gained a following, and the flat earth movement was born. The movement gained traction in the early 20th century, with the creation of the Flat Earth Society in 1956. This organization claimed to have thousands of members, including scientists and engineers. However, by the 1970s, the movement had lost most of its support, and the Flat Earth Society disbanded.

The Flat Earth Movement Today

Despite its decline in the past, the flat earth movement has seen a resurgence in recent years. The rise of social media has allowed flat-earthers to connect with each other and spread their beliefs to a wider audience. In 2018, a flat-earther named Mike Hughes made headlines when he launched himself into the air in a homemade rocket to prove that the Earth was flat (he tragically died in a subsequent rocket launch in 2020).

Responses to the Flat Earth Theory

The flat earth theory has been met with skepticism and ridicule from the scientific community. NASA has released countless images of the Earth from space, proving that it is indeed a sphere. In response to the flat earth movement, scientists and educators have emphasized the importance of critical thinking and scientific literacy.

Scientists Respond

Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist and science communicator, has been a vocal critic of the flat earth movement. In a 2018 interview with Stephen Colbert, he said: “We live in a free country. You can think whatever you want. But if you think the Earth is flat, and you have influence over others, as would successful rappers or even presidential candidates, then being wrong becomes being harmful to the health, the wealth, and the security of our citizenry.”

Educators Respond

Educators have also responded to the flat earth movement by emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and scientific literacy. In a 2019 article for Scientific American, science writer John Horgan wrote: “We need to teach our kids how to think critically, how to evaluate evidence, how to distinguish truth from lies, and how to identify logical fallacies. That way, they’ll be able to spot pseudoscience and other forms of nonsense.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, being a flat-earther in English means believing in a theory that has been debunked by modern science. While the flat earth movement has seen a resurgence in recent years, it is still met with skepticism and ridicule from the scientific community. Educators and scientists alike emphasize the importance of critical thinking and scientific literacy in combating the spread of pseudoscience and misinformation in society.