I'm sorry, I did read through the FAQ, but I felt like the answers were too brief. I like fuller explanations, hence my posting questions.
First of all, I would like to state that I have an open mind. As a firm believer in the scientific method, I do not believe that my intuition and viewpoint are a reliable means for discerning truth. Either through conspiracy or through legitimate scientific advancement of humanity, I have been lead to believe the Earth is round all my life. The evidence presented to me was seemingly infallible, but it's true that I can't rule out this whole global conspiracy theory.
Now, what I would like to address from the FAQ is the reasoning behind believing in FET. The statement made was "We believe the Earth is flat because it looks flat". Why is it assumed that the way Earth is perceived by observers reveals an accurate picture of reality? Shouldn't truth be decided on after intense, disciplined study conducted with an open mind, following the scientific method? And if something can't be studied or proven as absolute fact, it remains just an idea without experimental verification? Just a belief?
Religion is a faith-based discipline, a belief, that exists without objective proof. A theory is slightly better than a faith-based discipline or belief because it reveals consistent patterns or evidence pointing to one idea. A rule or physical law can only exist if absolute, irrefutable proof exists after a falsifiable experimental process.
This does not seem to exist to PROVE FET. And even though you call it a THEORY, you state it as FACT... as if it were a LAW. Which it cannot be, given that nobody knows for him or her self what the true shape of the planet it is. Therefore, I urge many of you to revise your wording. Change any information presented as factual to be that of belief. WE BELIVE the world is flat. Not IT IS FLAT.
Thoughts? Arguments? Also, please answer why human intuition is a basis for revealing reality.