Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 9:50 am
http://www.edge.org/3rd_culture/thaler10/thaler10_index.html
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.
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.