A scientist attended an entire flat-earther conference. What was he learned?

The UK’s first Flat Earth Convention drew global speakers and debated science, power, and knowledge.

Key Takeaways

  1. A scientist attended a three-day Flat Earth Convention in the UK to understand their perspectives.
  2. Flat earthers emphasize scientific methods but distrust mainstream scientific institutions and experts.
  3. Many attendees believe knowledge is controlled by those in power, echoing Foucault’s theories on power and truth.
  4. Social media has decentralized knowledge, fueling competing narratives and skepticism toward authority.
  5. Flat earthers rely on emotions, creativity, and personal research over expert opinions and institutional knowledge.

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Inside the UK’s First Flat Earth Convention

The UK’s first-ever public Flat Earth Convention brought together global speakers, researchers, and enthusiasts for a three-day event in Birmingham. Unlike a simple gathering of conspiracy theorists, the convention featured debates, workshops, scientific experiments, and networking. Attendees were eager to discuss competing flat Earth models, such as the classic flat plane, domes, ice walls, and even cosmic eggs. However, the event focused less on proving a single model and more on challenging mainstream scientific authority.

One of the core themes of the convention was the relationship between power and knowledge. Many flat earthers claim that mainstream institutions—scientific organizations, governments, and media—control information to maintain their power. This idea aligns with the theories of Michel Foucault, a 20th-century philosopher who argued that those in power define what is considered “truth.” The convention’s discussions revealed a growing distrust in centralized knowledge, with attendees advocating for independent research and observable facts over institutional claims.

The Rise of Decentralized Knowledge

In the 21st century, social media has revolutionized how knowledge is shared, creating a world where anyone can publish their ideas. This shift has led to increasing polarization, where different groups no longer agree on basic facts. A 2016 PEW study showed that 80% of Clinton voters and 81% of Trump voters believed the other side had a completely different understanding of reality. Flat earthers argue that platforms like YouTube and blogs have freed people from reliance on experts, allowing them to form their own conclusions.

HG Wells’ plan for a world encyclopedia. Scottbot

During the convention, a debate between four flat earthers and three physics PhD students highlighted this divide. One scientist urged attendees to avoid trusting YouTube for scientific knowledge, prompting pushback from the audience. Many flat earthers believe that mainstream science discourages independent thought, and that mass communication now allows people to challenge the official narrative.

Populism, Science, and Emotion

Beyond skepticism of scientific institutions, flat earthers embrace a form of populism that prioritizes emotions and personal experiences over expert analysis. This trend mirrors broader societal changes, such as political movements that reject intellectual elites in favor of gut feelings and intuition. Brexit campaigner Michael Gove famously stated, “The people of this country have had enough of experts,” reflecting a similar sentiment.

Throughout the convention, speakers encouraged attendees to trust emotions, creativity, and personal exploration over rigid scientific theories. The musician B.O.B, a public flat Earth advocate, captured this mindset by tweeting, “Don’t believe what I say, research what I say.” The movement’s appeal lies in its challenge to authority and its emphasis on individual discovery.

The UK convention marks a growing global trend, with large flat Earth events planned in Canada and the U.S. As flat Earth beliefs gain visibility, they highlight shifting attitudes toward science, authority, and the nature of truth in modern society.

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