If a tree falls in an otherwise uninhabited forest, does it make a sound?

Depends how you define sound.

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.

Perito has the best answer ever for that age-old question. Beyond dispute.

LOL, OK, but was that the expected answer? I mean, the question was some kind of joke? :confused:

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.)

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.

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.

It makes a sound, its just not heard.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stratmando

It makes a sound, its just not heard.

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The point being, are vibrations in air really sound without someone to actually hear it?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Capuchin

The point being, are vibrations in air really sound without someone to actually hear it?

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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! :)

For the record, this is a very old pseudo-philosophical question. It's even in Wikipedia and other places on the web.

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.