Subliminal Motive?

Hello,

I am writing a research paper on the flat earth society. While I don't personally believe in the flat earth theory myself, I find it interesting that you defy the accepted belief of many scientific and governmental institutions for the "flat earth" belief.

But I have a question. Do you actually believe what you're arguing for? Is this a mental excercise, to prove something that you don't really believe, or do you actually believe it and are fighting for the truth? Is this a tongue-in-cheek debate, or are you serious? What's your motive?

Welcome! I hope you enjoy the interesting discussions on the site. There are people on this site (and people not registered on the FES forums) that truly believe the earth is flat. However, there are many people playing Devil's Advocate and use the site to polish debating skills. People that don't believe in a FE also contribute to the community. "Markjo" and certain mods are the most well-known round earthers on here and are well versed in FE theories. The mindset of the majority of the FE community revolves around Zeteticism.
Hope I've helped some and enjoy your stay. 

I find it interesting that you defy the accepted belief

Why?

People generally go with the flow unless they have the motivation to go against that "flow."
Sometimes that motivation is silliness or attention or to satirize. This could be a mind game that you're all playing.
BUT sometimes it's because they want to represent the truth, or what they perceive as the truth.

So you might believe in a flat earth because it's fun or funny or strange, and you like that.
OR you might believe in a flat earth because you want to show that using logic seems to thwart logic itself.
OR... You might believe in a flat earth because you really, genuinely believe that it's the truth.
I'm sure there are other reasons, and right now I'm generalizing and oversimplifying this.

How is this NOT interesting?

I believe that the earth is flat because it is.

LOL.

Good answer Tom.

Tool.

LOL.

Good answer Tom.

Tool.

Cut out the personal attacks.


On-topic, I absolutely believe in FET, as do others, but Ichi is right in saying that many here argue for the Flat Earth models simply because they enjoy the debate, or think it an interesting philosophical proposition.


And welcome!

Quote from: d00gz on December 07, 2009, 04:49:03 AM

LOL.

Good answer Tom.

Tool.

Cut out the personal attacks.

Typical FE moderating there, let the FE'er off with the contentless, stupid post, and pull up the RE'er, just because you're a mod and think you're cool? Pretty much it yeah?

Quote from: Lord Wilmore on December 07, 2009, 05:35:28 AM

Quote from: d00gz on December 07, 2009, 04:49:03 AM

LOL.

Good answer Tom.

Tool.

Cut out the personal attacks.

Typical FE moderating there, let the FE'er off with the contentless, stupid post, and pull up the RE'er, just because you're a mod and think you're cool? Pretty much it yeah?

If you have a problem with the moderation here, take to S&C. You're lucky I'm not suspending you for this, so I suggest you read the rules.

Well i have already reported your post, but i'm sure you can make that go away.

Well i have already reported your post, but i'm sure you can make that go away.

No, but I can make you go away. Arguing with moderation outside S&C is against the rules. See you in 3 days.

You do understand what "subliminal" means, don't you?

In my experience, there are four types of people here:

1) Those who genuinely believe in a Flat Earth.
2) Those who don't, but pretend that they do.
3) Those who believe in a spherical earth.
4) Those who are undecided, suspicious or intrigued by the idea.

However, from a practical perspective, it doesn't really matter what someone's 'real' beliefs are. So for the purposes of a research paper, it's best to just take every post at face value.

FWIW - I am in category 3. I'm not particularly interested in FET from a scientific perspective, I'm more interested in the psychological aspect of fringe science and conspiracy theory. I've written quite a few pieces over the years on the subject(s), and the Flat Earth Society has provided (by far) the most material.