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    Kingkudzu's Avatar
    Kingkudzu Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 25, 2009, 10:07 AM
    Is this sound?
    If a tree falls in an otherwise uninhabited forest, does it make a sound?
    Capuchin's Avatar
    Capuchin Posts: 5,255, Reputation: 656
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    #2

    Apr 25, 2009, 11:13 AM

    Depends how you define sound.
    Perito's Avatar
    Perito Posts: 3,139, Reputation: 150
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    #3

    Apr 25, 2009, 06:51 PM
    If a woman and a man were there when it fell, and if the man said it made a sound -- he's wrong. If he said it didn't make a sound -- he's wrong again.
    smearcase's Avatar
    smearcase Posts: 2,392, Reputation: 316
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    #4

    Apr 25, 2009, 07:01 PM

    Perito has the best answer ever for that age-old question. Beyond dispute.
    Unknown008's Avatar
    Unknown008 Posts: 8,076, Reputation: 723
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    #5

    Apr 25, 2009, 08:20 PM

    LOL, OK, but was that the expected answer? I mean, the question was some kind of joke? :confused:
    Perito's Avatar
    Perito Posts: 3,139, Reputation: 150
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    #6

    Apr 26, 2009, 04:50 AM

    As Capuchin suggested, if you define "sound" as sound waves moving through air, then the answer is "Yes"; a sound was generated. If you define sound as requiring an observer, then the answer is "No"; sound was not generated. I, personally, would say "Yes"; a sound was generated. (My wife would probably tell me that I'm wrong.)
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #7

    Apr 26, 2009, 01:50 PM

    It makes a sound, its just not heard.
    Unless a woman says so, and who are we to disagree, been there done that, not any more.
    Kingkudzu's Avatar
    Kingkudzu Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #8

    Apr 26, 2009, 04:33 PM

    Thank you all for weighing in , but there doesn't seem to be an answer... just quantification, etc. The bit about the wife is irony as I say sound is sound--yes; she says not if there isn't a listener/receiver--no. Surely someone has answered this question without rebuttal. Thanks again... yes, it was serious I am sorry to say.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #9

    Apr 27, 2009, 05:38 AM

    It makes a sound, its just not heard.
    Capuchin's Avatar
    Capuchin Posts: 5,255, Reputation: 656
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    #10

    Apr 27, 2009, 05:41 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Stratmando View Post
    It makes a sound, its just not heard.
    The point being, are vibrations in air really sound without someone to actually hear it?
    Kingkudzu's Avatar
    Kingkudzu Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #11

    Apr 30, 2009, 05:33 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Capuchin View Post
    The point being, are vibrations in air really sound without someone to actually hear it?
    I would say yes. These waves of energy still exist, would frighten (perhaps) wildlife and would crush anything it fell if it were of sufficient mass. Why do humans insist on being a participant in order to affirm something took place. If you were there, you would hear it--the sound is still made whether anyone is there or not.

    A woman in my life dissagrees... go figure! :)
    FlyYakker's Avatar
    FlyYakker Posts: 378, Reputation: 41
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    #12

    Apr 30, 2009, 06:31 PM

    For the record, this is a very old pseudo-philosophical question. It's even in Wikipedia and other places on the web.
    cehs's Avatar
    cehs Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #13

    Apr 30, 2009, 07:02 PM
    I say YES there is sound when a tree falls, whether it is heard or not is irrelevant.
    That would be like a radio or TV station (do they put out a signal even if YOU do not have YOUR radio/tv on?)
    Is there light in lightning if no one sees it?
    Is there thunder if no one is around, OF COURSE...

    CE.
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