I don't think id's the education system that failed but rather people just looking to be different. It's like anti-vaxers. They're morons who believe stuff well after they left school because someone in a book or on the internet had an argument about something without someone there to question what was being said. So when something is claimed without someone there to debunk it it just becomes the rule of law because no one has argued differently.
@metalman I definitely understand your point, but (simply playing Devil's advocate here) couldn't we argue that the education system should do a better job of teaching students from a younger age to think more critically? I was first challenged to think more critically when I was in college, a privilege that not everyone has in today's world.
I feel though that by teaching children to question what they're taught from a young age will only further what @creativedragonbaby was saying in teens it'll just give them more of an excuse to talk back to teachers.
I think that many would talk back anyway. It would be important to also teach students to question things in a respectful manner (to have a discourse, rather than an argument).
When teacher says: "Pluto is a planet"- you can say "You're wrong" or "Wasn't that recently declared untrue?" Talking back is disrespect, independent of ignorance or intellect. Facts change and while older people often have more time to have learned things theyve also had more time to grow attached to potentially outdated ideas. Civil discourse allows different perspectives. Teaching kids to think critically, and be scientific and open to new ideas is key. When we adhere to an idea out of stubbornness or because of faith in our own intelligence that is not scientific that is ego. Many who "talk back" do so out of self superiority. They think they are or want to be right or smarter. It's the job of the young to question old ideas and create new ones. We should help them do a better and less biased job than us. It was once argued if women went to school they may "start talking back." Compliance through ignorance doesn't help society.
I cannot understand how they legitimately believe in the flat earth idea though.
I'd actually like one of the believers to sit down and explain without blaming "brainwashing" or "conspriacy".
Explain your scientific reasons - with proof and research why you think the earth is flat.
(And "we're part of Terry Pratchetts disc world" is not a valid argument)
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· 7 years ago
"The rise of flat-Earthers?"
How many of them are there? Are they growing?
In the vein of some word's of a wise trio of folks, it's not necessarily that the systems are flawed, it'sjust that nowadays you can find people who agree with whatever you believe really quickly and easily. In the age of the internet, you will find what you're looking for, and if you look for an opinion you believe in, you will find no small amount of morons who also believe in the opinion.
I'm sorry to say that not everyone who graduates grade 12 has the understanding of science of an astrophysicist. Most people don't really understand relativity, red shift, and if you talk to anyone about driving few people even understand how basic physics effects their daily commute. Most people are just "taking the word" of people who sound smarter than them. Some see the science behind flat earth and it "sounds right." The statement that "flat earth is based in imperical evidence" you can see and feel, the layman can understand that. With 87,000 Facebook followers and questionable membership numbers the flat earth society represents a small percentage of the population at best. Their agenda also contains elements of anti government conspiracy so it's hard to say how many people are there for the flat earth and how many are there because the reptile people are using microwaves to steal their thoughts. You can teach people the tools to ask questions but after that it's up to them.
The origin of many's spanking fetishes
I'd actually like one of the believers to sit down and explain without blaming "brainwashing" or "conspriacy".
Explain your scientific reasons - with proof and research why you think the earth is flat.
(And "we're part of Terry Pratchetts disc world" is not a valid argument)
How many of them are there? Are they growing?