Classic Debate: If a tree falls in the woods... · Philosophy Forum

lord xyz Restricted

Originally posted by Bardock42
Depends on the definition. Sound can also refer to the waves, which might be existent without someone perceiving. All very Berkeley.

Well if you define sound as vibrations in the air than yes it does make a sound, ask Beethoven.

Adam_PoE Senior Member

Originally posted by Regret
Sound...sound is the brain interpreting the compression and rarification of atmosphere. So if no one is around to have the compression and rarification of air enter their ear then no, it did not make a "sound". Now there are changes in the pressure in the air, but sound is something that happens in your head.
compression - more atmospheric stuff in an area
rarification - less atmospheric stuff in an area
This is the scientific answer. Unless she is defining sound incorrectly.

lord xyz Restricted

Originally posted by Adam_PoE

That's what I think, but Sound has more than one definition, so it depends on your opinion. Although, the scientific definition is probably the best to use.

Bardock42 Junior Member

Originally posted by lord xyz
Well if you define sound as vibrations in the air than yes it does make a sound, ask Beethoven.

No, you can't. How do you know that it creates those vibrations if you can't hear, see or measure it? To continue, how can you even be sure that those vibrations exist if you can hear, see and measure them. And how can you know the tree exists. The point is you can't. Beause we are limited to our perceptions and even trusting them is a stretch.

Originally posted by Adam_PoE

She, whoever she is, is defining sound wrong though. Ask any physics major. It does not depend on the perception. Scientifically that is.

lord xyz Restricted

Originally posted by Bardock42
No, you can't. How do you know that it creates those vibrations if you can't hear, see or measure it? To continue, how can you even be sure that those vibrations exist if you can hear, see and measure them. And how can you know the tree exists. The point is you can't. Beause we are limited to our perceptions and even trusting them is a stretch.
She, whoever she is, is defining sound wrong though. Ask any physics major. It does not depend on the perception. Scientifically that is.

Ah but the question doesn't say "and no one is their to hear, see or measure it" it only mentions hearing.

Also, you could feel the sound.

Bardock42 Junior Member

Originally posted by lord xyz
Ah but the question doesn't say "and no one is their to hear, see or measure it" it only mentions hearing.
Also, you could feel the sound.

Refer to my other points then.

Even if you could, feel, see, measure, taste, smell and stick the tree up your ass...you do still not have any real evidence about the existance of the tree or the sound or anything. Face it, we are screwed, we can't know stuff. Nothing.

lord xyz Restricted

Originally posted by Bardock42
Refer to my other points then.
Even if you could, feel, see, measure, taste, smell and stick the tree up your ass...you do still not have any real evidence about the existance of the tree or the sound or anything. Face it, we are screwed, we can't know stuff. Nothing.

You can't just use physical evidence as evidence. That's the whole point of thinking outside the box.

Bardock42 Junior Member

Originally posted by lord xyz
You can't just use physical evidence as evidence. That's the whole point of thinking outside the box.

My point if I recall right. Except for the box thing. I'm allergic to idiotic metaphors. Hehe, see what I did there?

debbiejo Dreamer

Originally posted by Admiral Akbar
Not nessasarily. Supersonic and Ultrasonic sound are still sound, but beyond human/animal hearing and not perceived by an ear.

Deano Senior Member

Originally posted by gls
i believe the same as ur friend.
light must exist when we don't see it doesn't it?

it only exists in your head my friend. nothing is real