If a Tree Falls...THE ANSWER

[Renegnicat]

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

The key to solving this problem is recognizing that by uttering the statement "tree falls in forest" anyone hearing that statement is de-facto "around" to hear it. Someone being around to hear it really just means that someone knows a tree falls. Well, we, as hearers of the problem, know that the tree has fallen in the forest, and we know that when tree's fall, they make sounds.

Thus, by the very uttering of the question, you are negating the idea that no one would be around to hear it.

However, given that we don't live our daily lives randomly thinking, "a tree just made a sound right now"...

[McQ]

I disagree with your assertion that by hearing the utterance of someone saying "if a tree falls in the forest", that one is necessarily present for the felling of the tree. One can come upon a fallen tree in a forest weeks after it fell and assume it fell, but not know if anyone was around at the time. If no one was around at the time, then no one could have heard a sound.

The real key to this is the definition of sound. If there were no "hearers", that is, lifeforms capable of turning the pressure waves created by moving objects, then there is no "sound" per se. However, even lifeforms without hearing can "feel" the vibrations of the pressure wave if they are equipped with even a rudimentary nervous system and the necessary organs to react to the vibrations.

[Renegnicat]

Meh. Same difference.  

[Whitney]

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

No.  But it would make vibrations.

 

[AlP]

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

No.  But it would make vibrations.

 

I agree. Sound is a human concept. No human no sound. But there would be air waves.

[McQ]

Meh. Same difference.  

Really? I didn't think so, based on your answer. Maybe I misunderstood.

[Sophus]

This whole concept comes down to semantics. It just depends on what your definition of sound is. My own interpretation of sound is the frequency, waves, the noise itself; not whether or not there is a functioning ear around to hear it. So, in this sense, yes it makes a sound. On the other hand, one could argue that sounds requires the senses. Without life the action of waves vibrating is all that sound is reduced to.

[Renegnicat]

NonoNO!  :brick:

[Sophus]

Well, that's sort of my point. The question will cease to impress you if you give it a dose of perspective.  

[Ninteen45]

Bah, I usually laugh my head of when I hear it.

A tree always makes a sound when it falls, No exeption. Nobody is around to hear it, but, Animals may hear it though.

[AlP]

Bah, I usually laugh my head of when I hear it.

A tree always makes a sound when it falls, No exeption. Nobody is around to hear it, but, Animals may hear it though.

Ah but animals have bodies. They're alive, not a nobody. So if there is an animal around to hear it I think the sound was heard.  Semantics...

[LoneMateria]

Why do trees always cause these type of problems... stupid trees, someone need to turn them into toothpicks .  Here is a solution for you.  Yes it makes a noise and I can verify it by placing a recorder at the scene.  When i come back I guarantee there will be some noise from that tree falling.

[AlP]

Why do trees always cause these type of problems... stupid trees, someone need to turn them into toothpicks lol

[Ninteen45]

Bah, I usually laugh my head of when I hear it.

A tree always makes a sound when it falls, No exeption. Nobody is around to hear it, but, Animals may hear it though.

Ah but animals have bodies. They're alive, not a nobody. So if there is an animal around to hear it I think the sound was heard.  Semantics... lol.

[Renegnicat]

It appears we are in agreement.