Flat Earth Societies: Controversy, Representation, Social Impact
Flat Earth Societies: Controversy, Representation, Social Impact

Summary/Abstract: Besides their wide-ranging involvement in social and political life, the followers of Flat Earth movement stand out for their unique way of relating to existential challenges in the name of freedom of thought. From the perspective of the theory of knowledge, I will try to explain why skepticism about and denial of the current model of the universe are foundational to the formulation and integration of Flat Earth theories. At the level of social impact, I will explore how Flat Earth societies gain their followers throughout new communication technologies, as well as how these particular social groups are constituted, their internal dynamics, and the reasons that generate eccentric representations of the world around us. I will also consider the psychocultural and philosophical origins of conspiracy thinking as a strategy for helping the individual to adapt to the uncertainties of contemporary society. The empirical part of the present article is devoted to the way in which Flat Earth societies are organized. Resembling, from a structural point of view, the hippie communities of the late 1960s, with a hierarchy of leaders, spokespersons, permanent members and volunteers, these groups hold international conferences, events and happenings dedicated to spreading awareness of the Flat Earth position that bring together followers of all ages and from all professions and nationalities. The coming- together of these diverse individuals is not having any significant negative impact on the majority’s trust in science; rather, it is perceived as an alternative culture that is oriented towards escapism and characterized by a preference for utopian thinking.

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