this post was submitted on 23 Apr 2025
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me_irl
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If someone says the Earth is round, are we seriously concerned that enough data has not been collected to consider this an accurate fact?
I disagreed with your statement that "no one could ever get all the data and present accurate facts" and sought to use a ubiquitously understood example that is somehow divisive (see: flat-earthers) despite science that's been well understood for hundreds of years making it obviously factual.
I disagree. I would argue it is "of consequence" if someone is unable to look at the available data and come to the conclusion that the planet we're standing on is round. Especially if that person is in a position of power or influence over others, because their capacity to make rational conclusions from available information is profoundly corrupted. e.g.: They shouldn't be a science teacher at a school because they don't understand even basic scientific principles that are universally understood.
Good thing I didn't say that, then!
It is, in fact approximately round - it's more precisely an oblate spheroid.
I'd say go as accurate as is relevant to the current situation.
I debated whether or not to call it an oblate spheroid like a huge nerd or just use the "earth is round" shorthand that most people are familiar with. While not perfectly round, I think most people would agree an oblate spheroid is a round shape in the general sense.
That was actually what I was getting at - there are too many variables in life. Only go as correct as you need to in the moment, and be understanding when others aren't precisely correct either.
(which I think is what you were getting at, too?)