The flat earth and geocentric world are examples of wrong scientific beliefs that were held for long periods. Can you name your favorite example and for extra credit why it was believed to be true?
You have to scroll down to see the responses. I noticed two interesting patterns:
1. Several people pointed out that "flat earth" was NOT a scientific theory; in fact, it was known to the Ancient Greeks that the Earth is round, and some of them had remarkably accurate estimates of its diameter.
2. Quite a few picked the notion that ulcers are caused by "stress," whereas it is now known that they are caused by a bacterium.
TPRJones wrote:My current favorite would be the theory that human activities are the major cause of a rise in global temperatures. Laughable!
And current temperatures are killing the polar bears... and no one argues that temperatures have been much higher in the recent (evolutionary speaking) past and the polar bears survived it.
"Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid."