Poll: If a Tree falls in a forest...

[Zydrate]

If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around, no one gives a shit.

Yes, I've seen about 5 people with the same reply.
Shut the hell up.

 

[NinjaSkills]

Yes

 

[Happyfork]

Haha, I see what you did there. Of course it would make a sound if Noone was there to hear it. I don't think Noone is death. Well, I can't say that. I don't really know who Noone is. Even if he was deaf, it would still make a sound, scientifically.


I hope that tree fell on Noone.








(i'm making fun of you for misspelling no one)

 

[LordoftheShy]

It's funny, and pretty sad, to see so many arguing about the definition of sound waves, sound, and perception while completely missing the original point of the question.

Yea, I changed my mind, it's just really sad that a question relating to the nature of existence in relation to a conscious beings' perception of said existence is relegated to arguments based on physiological and physical definitions of "sound", instead of actually discussing the metaphysical nature of existence and perception as we know it.

 

[Deacon Cole]

Wow, thanks - finally someone knows a bit more than the average joe on this. Always knew there was more philosophy to this question, but no-one asking it has understood it before - and if you don't understand the question, how can you hope to get an answer?

You're welcome and thank you.

I don't think I know that much more than most people. I was first asked this question when I was eleven or so and was told the old sound wave thing and never questioned this until recently. Which is why my post goes through several answers to this kōan before arriving at the one I came up with. I was dissatisfied with those answers, so I had to look deeper. but for decades I was stubbornly parroting an answer I had been told rather than thinking for myself. I guess there are several pieces of wisdom in this kōan after all.

Looking at how the thread continues to debate the question even after I pointed out that answering the question is missing the point is probably just how kōans work. I imagine the head Buddhist monk would come to a group of young initiates and ask them, "If a tree falls in the forest does it make a sound?" Some would say yes. Some would say no. But occasionally, one would smile and nod and say something like, "Yes, much of what we perceive is based on assumption." The master will smile and nod for this one is ready to move on to the next level while his fellow students will look at each other because that didn't make any sense.

But it does make sense if you understand and use a little lateral thinking. Fact is, you can't force people to become enlightened. you just can't. They have to figure it out for themselves.

 

[soren7550]

Here's a better question:

How does the presence or absence of a person effect whether or not a tree makes a sound when it falls?

 

[Cid Silverwing]

Obviously it makes a sound. There is no spiritual, religious, wishy washy arguement that can combat the fact that it makes a sound

This. The answer is yes. End of debate. End of thread.

 

[poptart123]

Yes

 

[zenoaugustus]

If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around, no one gives a shit.

Yes, I've seen about 5 people with the same reply.
Shut the hell up.

Well that's kind of rude. For the record, if it makes you feel any better, I voted yes.

 

[Ghost]

let's put a camera in front of said tree and make it collapse

 

[TaborMallory]

Yes it does. The real question is, can you clap with one hand?

Here you go

 

[ViolentlyHappy91]

That's a tricky one, but yes, it makes a sound. Saying it doesn't, is like say if I murdered 6 people in their sleep, and no-one saw me do it, I mustn't have done it.

 

[Lukirre]

...Yes, it does.

In fact, there's no argument against it.
Only the "but you can't prove it!" bullshit.

yes but thats the same argument I get whenever my athiest belifes come up and other peoples gods come into question

but I have to agree tree falling = sound made.

That's the idea, they throw it at you to try and come up with some sort of justification.
Their argument is invalid, though, as they can't prove their side either.
Oh well.

 

[DarkRyter]

Regardless of anyone being around to hear it, the collision of the tree to the ground still causes the tiny vibrations in the air we know as sound to be produced.

 

[jibjab963]

Yes and no. Yes becaues it will make a sound and no because no one is around to hear it.

 

[hippykiller]

if no one is around to hear it then it dose not make a sound.

 

[bad rider]

Check the Definition of sound please.. its vibrations being heard.

That vibration will happen, even if it won't be heard.

Prove it