Did Columbus and the Wright Brothers believe in historic misconceptions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter SGT
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around historical misconceptions related to figures such as Columbus and the Wright Brothers, specifically addressing beliefs about the shape of the Earth and the nature of flight. Participants explore the acceptance of scientific ideas over time, the role of evidence in shaping beliefs, and the distinction between educated opinions and popular misconceptions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Historical
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that educated individuals in the 15th century, including Columbus, understood the Earth was round, referencing historical figures like Eratosthenes.
  • Others suggest that Columbus's belief in a shorter distance to Asia was based on flawed estimations, which could have led to disastrous consequences had the Americas not been in the way.
  • There is mention of the Wright Brothers and the idea that the challenge of flight was more technological than scientific, with other inventors also contributing to the field.
  • Some participants highlight that the concept of a round Earth was known to ancient Greeks and Romans, and that the idea was not universally accepted among the general populace at the time of Columbus.
  • One participant introduces the example of the Sound Barrier, arguing that while physicists understood there was no true barrier, engineering challenges remained.
  • There is a contention regarding the notion of "conspiracy theorists" and the validity of their arguments compared to those supported by scientific evidence.
  • Some participants emphasize that the majority of people did not accept certain scientific truths until they were proven, suggesting a pattern in the acceptance of new ideas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion features multiple competing views regarding historical beliefs about the Earth and flight. Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of these historical misconceptions or the nature of belief in scientific truths.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various historical figures and events, but there are unresolved questions about the extent of knowledge among the general populace during the relevant periods. The discussion also touches on the influence of societal and religious factors on the acceptance of scientific ideas.

  • #31
Actually, there is very little in my post that is original. You seem to indicate that you couldn't figure out what my post referred to. It's about Columbus.
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #32
Are you trying to belittle Columbus for what he did? He was the first one to attempt to sail across the world and ended up finding America. Just because others say that their belief that the world is round doesn't really mean much with this guy since he took action upon it. He and his crew had no idea what they would run into or what was going to happen but Columbus believed the world was round and that he could find a back passage into India and use this as a way to get to Jerusalem. He just happened across a whole new world. I'm sure if Columbus hadn't done it, as with what Magellan did, in due time someone else would have, but he did it first and until he did do it, there was no concrete evidence that the world was found...just intelligent assumptions based on rational thought.
Esperanto- I love that 9-11 comment. It just so happens that we can't talk about it anymore since those defending the govt's claim are having difficulty producing any evidence so it just goes into a "I'm right, you're wrong" discussion instead of an educational debate. Hell if anyone actually wants to do a real investigation, I'll pick one point, write up an essay disproving the official storyline and let you guys have at it trying to disprove what I say and what the govt's story is as true. The mod would have to give me the ok if you want and that's doubtful since people can't control themselves and just start flaming each other as if the person with the most or best insults somehow wins the discussion, but it is an issue at the crux of everything going on in the world today.
 
  • #33
All of my posts here that did talk about Columbus said that Columbus was used as an example that it takes time for something to become universally accepted. The only possibly factual thing I said was that ancients can see horizons too. I don't give jack if you are going to nitpick my nonexistent factual comments on Columbus.
 
  • #34
Esperanto said:
All of my posts here that did talk about Columbus said that Columbus was used as an example that it takes time for something to become universally accepted.
All I am saying is that Columbus is a poor example because he never said anything that ever became universally accepted.
 
  • #35
champ2823 said:
Are you trying to belittle Columbus for what he did? He was the first one to attempt to sail across the world and ended up finding America.
Ever hear about Leif Ericsson?

Esperanto- I love that 9-11 comment. It just so happens that we can't talk about it anymore since those defending the govt's claim
There you go with your conspiracy again, you are wrong, people here are referring to the engineering aspects of the collapse.

are having difficulty producing any evidence so it just goes into a "I'm right, you're wrong" discussion instead of an educational debate.
All the evidence needed has already been posted. If you can't understand it, or refuse to understand it, perhaps you would be happier at a site like www.abovetopsecret.com I think you'd be very happy there.

This is your final warning that for now any more discussion on a 9-11 conspiracy theory is suspended.

The next report is due in October. We'll see what comes out then.
 
  • #36
Just cause the Vikings did some exploration of their own isn't as great as Columbus, because his discovery changed the world. Lief's didn't... although he deserves credit for what he did, it still isn't as important as Columbus'. Oh and I see the whole "You are wrong" thing again... typical finger pointing...but whenever you point your finger at someone, you have 3 fingers pointing back at you. Oh yeah, abovetopsecret.com, yeah like I really care about websites that make claims and then show no documentation or concrete evidence to back them up. Give me a break. If I wanted to read something that can't support their claims and is based on lies, unproven accusations, and half-truths, I'd go read the entire 9-11 Commission Report.
 
  • #37
BTW...what do you mean by the next report is due in October and who is issuing and funding the report?