Will Flat Earthers Fade Away in the Coming Years?

The belief in a flat Earth has gained a following in recent years, with adherents presenting what they claim as logical and scientific arguments. However, the prevalence of this theory raises questions about its future. In this article, we explore why flat Earth beliefs might persist and how societal changes could lead to their eventual decline.

Observations from a Social Scientist's Perspective

While social scientists could provide deeper insights, my personal observations suggest that the flat Earth theory is not likely to fade away on its own. This phenomenon shares similarities with another well-known conspiracy theory—moon landing deniers. Both groups persist for decades, despite overwhelming evidence contradicting their beliefs. This resistance to scientific facts is driven by a combination of logical fallacies and the perception of an existential threat.

Why Flat Earthers May Persist

Several factors contribute to the enduring nature of flat Earth beliefs:

Quality Over Quantity

One of the most significant issues is the misconception that quantity inherently trumps quality. Flat Earthers often present a voluminous amount of arguments without addressing the quality of those arguments. They mistakenly believe that 100 weak arguments collectively form a strong case. This cognitive bias is a common logical fallacy known as 'quantifying fallacy' and undermines the strength of their position.

Misframing the Issue

Another reason for the persistence of flat Earth beliefs is their tendency to frame the debate as an existential threat. By labeling those who espouse the globe Earth theory as the enemy, flat Earthers create a polarizing narrative that resonates with individuals who feel marginalized. This misframing can lead people to overlook facts and evidence in favor of a more emotional and kinship-driven belief system.

Science Education Deficiency

A major hurdle preventing the decline of flat Earth beliefs is a general lack of scientific education. People's understanding of scientific concepts, the history of scientific discovery, and the philosophy behind scientific methods is often shallow. This lack of knowledge provides a fertile ground for conspiracy theories to grow, as individuals are more susceptible to accepting unsupported claims. Only a significant improvement in science education can bridge this gap and challenge such beliefs.

The Myth of the Scientific Priesthood

Flat Earthers often portray themselves as rebels against a supposed 'scientific priesthood.' They present a caricature of experimental science as a rigid and inflexible system that resists dissent. However, in reality, science is a dynamic and evolving process. Real scientists place a high value on empirical evidence and experimental results, recognizing the fallibility of human intuition. The flat Earth theory, in contrast, relies heavily on subjective observations and a rejection of quantitative measures.

Empirical Evidence vs. Sensory Perception

When people observe the horizon, they often see it as a straight line, which supports the flat Earth view. However, a basic understanding of science should prompt further questions:

Would it look different on a globe? Can we measure any difference? What factors might influence the perception?

Flat Earthers fail to explore these questions and instead rely on sensory perceptions alone. This approach contrasts sharply with the scientific method, which involves quantifying and comparing predictions from different models.

The Future of Flat Earth Beliefs

For flat Earth beliefs to decline, significant reforms in science education are necessary. A revolution in scientific literacy could help people understand the unscientific nature of these beliefs. Until then, the flat Earth theory will likely continue to attract adherents who find validation in a world where authority and personal intuition have less weight than empirical evidence.

Conclusion

While it may take time, the consistent and widespread dissemination of accurate scientific information through better education can eventually lead to the widespread rejection of flat Earth beliefs. The key is to foster a culture of critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning, empowering individuals to question and understand the complex world around them.