Thursday, May 5, 2016

Falling Trees For Thoughtful Thursday...!

I figured that we needed to have a new topic to ponder, so here's one that's been discussed for a while now.

I don't know if there is really a right or a wrong answer, but I have a feeling this is one that will never be answered.

If A Tree Falls In The Forest



If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?

This old question has caused endless debate without getting closer to a definitive answer. Some people will gladly take a strong stance on the issue, insisting that the tree makes a sound because animals are probably there to hear it.

Others counter that the term “no one” means no humans or animals. According to their argument, there isn’t any sound if no person or animal hears it because perception is what creates a sound.

To prove the answer one way or the other, you need some kind of observer, even if it is only electronic. An electronic observation could then be translated by the person who listened to it for evidence. However, if there is any type of observer, then the “no one around to hear it” condition is violated. This makes the question impossible to answer.

However, this kind of question was likely formed without expecting a definitive answer. Originally, the question may have been a philosophical exercise to consider how much an action mattered if no one was around to observe or be affected by it. Over the years, it has turned into an actual debate among some scientists.

I got this little gem from the folks over at Listverse.

Coffee out on the patio this morning. I'm pretty sure you can hear the doves making their music.

7 comments:

linda m said...

I guess the real answer is in how we perceive sound. Sound is what is heard and if no one hears it how can there be a sound. So the question really has no answer just hours of discussion. I'll bring my cup of coffee and we can have a lively discussion.

Momlady said...

Well now, does one really care? Is it that important to know? Guess I'm not a philosophical person. Have a good day.

JO said...

It makes a sound but no one is there to hear it. Oh we can have a good ponder over this one this morning.

getting hot here not happy about it

HermitJim said...

Hey Linda...
See what I mean? No answer...so right or wrong doesn't seem to be the case! Good discussion stuff!
Thanks for stopping by this morning!


Hey Momlady...
I reckon that no one really cares, so it's just another topic for sitting around over coffee! Maybe a touch of something stronger!
Thanks for coming over this morning!


Hey Jo...
Something to think about, isn't it?
Thanks for dropping by, sweetie!

Hermit's Baby Sis said...

The birds are certainly happy in my neck of the woods, so lots more to hear than falling trees. Let's concentrate on those delightful sounds rather than the former, ok? Too nice a day for too much deep thinking ~
Big hugs ~

Dizzy-Dick said...

The falling tree produces sound waves, not sound. Someone or some animal must be around and close enough for their ears to pick up the sound waves and convert them into electric impulses that the brain can interpret as sound or noise. The answer is, "HUH"!!

HermitJim said...

Hey Sis...
Much better to listen to the birds than wait around for a tree to fall. Nicer sound, too!
Thanks for the visit this morning!


Hey Dizzy...
Sounds like a good answer to me!
Many thanks for stopping by today!