How the Shape of the Earth is Argued into Being

Shelly Reisner Vain, Ilana Dubovi, Iris Tabak

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Claims that depart from Western scientific consensus, such as the relationship between vaccines and autism or the flat shape of the earth are often disparaged. We aim to cultivate greater convergence with scientific consensus, from a stance that rejects attributing alternative explanations to heedless partisanship or emotional susceptibility. We focus on the 'flat earth' explanation, and examine argumentative moves, attention to evidence and knowledge co-construction in YouTube discussions between supporters and critics of 'flat earth.' We found that Flat Earth supporters engage in argumentation and meta-talk about evidence, even at least as frequently as the critics. These findings suggest that cultivating greater convergence on scientific consensus requires deep and nuanced approaches, because alternative explanations can be couched in scientific, deliberative, and argumentative structures.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Collaboration toward Educational Innovation for All
Subtitle of host publicationOverarching Research, Development, and Practices - 16th International Conference of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2022
EditorsClark Chinn, Edna Tan, Carol Chan, Yael Kali
PublisherInternational Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS)
Pages243-249
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781737330653
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2022
Event16th International Conference of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2022 - Virtual, Online, Japan
Duration: 6 Jun 202210 Jun 2022

Publication series

NameProceedings of International Conference of the Learning Sciences, ICLS
ISSN (Print)1814-9316

Conference

Conference16th International Conference of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2022
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityVirtual, Online
Period6/06/2210/06/22

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science (miscellaneous)
  • Education

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'How the Shape of the Earth is Argued into Being'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this