Lecture

Flat Earth Believers

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In course

HUM-382: Anthropology of belief

Ce cours constitue une introduction à la question des théories complotistes en particulier dans le champ des sciences. ...

Description

This lecture explores the beliefs of flat earth believers, who argue that the Earth is flat and surrounded by an ice barrier. Despite scientific advancements, the myth of a flat Earth persists, with followers challenging modern science and technology. From the history of the concept to the cosmology proposed by flat earthers, the lecture delves into the rationality behind their beliefs, their experiments, and the social mechanisms that reinforce their convictions. It also discusses the impact of conspiracy theories, the psychological mechanisms of willful blindness, and the sense of community and identity that the flat Earth movement provides to its followers.

Instructor

Jean-François Bert

Teaching & PhD Past EPFL PhD Students as codirector Alina Volynskaya Courses Anthropology of belief HUM-382 This course is an introduction to the question of conspiracy theories especially in the field of science Darwin, religion and science HUM-365 This course takes the long history of opponents of Darwin and Darwinism (creationists, neo-creationists, supporters of intelligent design) to try to understand their strategies and arguments. Sciences and religions I HU

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