Analysis Of Daniel Shenton's In Defense Of The Flat Earth

The article “In Defense of the Flat Earth” by Daniel Shenton informs the public that, contrary to popular beliefs the Earth is flat and he will continue his mission to correct the views of the nonbelievers and the misinformed. The author and president of the Flat Earth Society structured his article to attack a widely held belief that the Earth is round and then he asks the reader how they know for sure. The author uses this tactic to make the reader feel a sense of doubt so they will question their beliefs. Zetetic Astronomy is what the Flat Earth Society bases their beliefs on, although the author and president who possesses no credentials cannot prove the claims, the article uses an appeal to tradition and a logos appeal based on his reason

The author begins by stating that he once believed that the Earth was round and eventually he came to what he calls “an obvious truth” by way of his reason and logic. He explains that people are taught that the Earth is round from a young age and the idea is forced upon people from teachers, parents, and textbooks. The author states that society has agreed that the Earth is round and because people feel sure of the idea it is not questioned or investigated. Daniel Shenton explains that the round Earth model goes against his senses and reason. He continues to believe that people disregard the evidence of the Flat Earth theory because the round Earth model is rooted within societal norms and traditions. The Flat Earth theory is based off of the Zetetic Astronomy approach and according to the author it is disregarded as evidence of the truth. Zetetic Astronomy was founded by Samuel Rowbotham and the Zetetic approach began to gain traction by his followers after his death in 1884. A Universal Zetetic Society was created to spread the word of Samuel Rowbotham and eventually became the Flat Earth Society in 1956. The Flat Earth Society welcomes all objections and will patiently wait until the truth is realized by the world. Daniel Shenton makes his statement by discussing his viewpoints, but he quotes “Zetetic

The author uses a logos appeal to convey his reason and logic to a resistant and neutral audience. He attacks the traditions of society by using an appeal to tradition. He uses a fallacy that states even though traditions are widely accepted and practiced, it does not prove that they should be accepted or practiced. The purpose of the article is to defend the Flat Earth theory, however it seems that the author is making a statement and using persuasive tactics. The writer uses a deductive reasoning approach by stating the Earth is flat and then supplying the details to support his argument. His tone is firm throughout the article, except when he begins to rant about society and traditions being responsible for misrepresenting the Flat Earth theory. The article begins as though the author is being personally attacked and then he changes his demeanor to represent the truth and evidence pertaining to the Flat Earth theory and Zetetic Astronomy. The author’s logos appeal and appeal to tradition are aimed to inform and persuade the reader to rethink their personal views on the