If A Tree Falls, But Nobody Hears It, Does It Make A Noise, Or Not?

[Brian May]

Well, what do you think?

I am in two minds. I think it makes a noise, but a noise is defined as something you hear. Therefore if nobody hears is, how can it be a noise?

 

[Brian May]

I see this was moved from the "Outerworld" where apparently we can talk about anything. This is not spam. It is a mind-stimulating question.

Spam = I LIKE CHEESE, ME.

Not Spam = This post.

Anyway, carry on.

 

[Shahroz]

LOl, I think the tree still mak's a noise but the people are far away from hearing it

 

[Vendaku~Metal]

This is the most fucking stupid question ever asked. I've heard so many idiots ask this question. And yeah, it does. Gtfo.

 

[GohanRZ]

Yes it makes a noise, even if we can't hear it, it's still there.

 

[Gonia]

And it falls on you, and you die. So, die.

 

[Negata]

Yeah, great question for the simple minded to ask in order to try and sound smarter than they really are.

...noise is defined as something you hear. Therefore if nobody hears is, how can it be a noise?

There you have your answer already: the answer depends on the definition of the question. If noise in this case = sound, in which sound = vibration, then yes, a tree collapsing with other matter (ground) does in most scenarios make sound. On the other hand, if noise is defined as something to be perceived then the answer is pretty much as obvious as to "Is a white wall black?"

 

[iNs@nE]

Some Definitions -

Sound - It's a longitudinal wave produced to the effect of vibrating bodies.

Noise - Any sound which is not pleasant to the ear.

Hearing Range of the Human Ear - 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

Theory:
The Tree falls and hits the ground. On doing so, it begins to vibrate and hence producing sound. If the frequency of the waves produced lies between 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz then we hear the sound. Else we do not. As simple as that.

Answer To Your Question: Sound IS produced even if we do not hear it.

 

[Vendaku~Metal]

lol. Silly little emo children.

 

[Negata]

... physical definition ...

Yeah, but you don't take into account the philosophical side of it. It's a classic question not so much to trouble your brain as to demonstrate how there's often more than one way to perceive and interpret things.

 

[Wh005h]

*cracks knuckles*
Well, here's a nice theory: How do we not know the world materializes around us as we change our point of view. Say that behind you right now is nothingness until you turn around at which point what was in front of you dematerializes.
Around the same principles of being within the radius of hearing something, but replacing hearing with sight.

Another theory: You leave a sound recording device in a forest. Obviously if a tree falls next to it it will record the sound correct? Reference the first theory now... Did it visually happen or did a sound just spawn from emptiness?

Anywho, it's easier to say yah it makes a sound and continue with life, aye?

SPAM SPAM SPAM! COOKIES!

 

[iNs@nE]

Yeah, but you don't take into account the philosophical side of it. It's a classic question not so much to trouble your brain as to demonstrate how there's often more than one way to perceive and interpret things.

Kinda frustrated today. I guess I'll take off now.

 

[Negata]

How do we not know the world materializes around us as we change our point of view. Say that behind you right now is nothingness until you turn around at which point what was in front of you dematerializes.
Around the same principles of being within the radius of hearing something, but replacing hearing with sight.

Another theory: You leave a sound recording device in a forest. Obviously if a tree falls next to it it will record the sound correct? Reference the first theory now... Did it visually happen or did a sound just spawn from emptiness?

It's already given in the question that a tree actually falls and it's safe to assume it falls in a place which follows the same laws of physics as our current reality. Assuming anything else would render the whole thought behind the question insignificant.

 

[devo246]

Yes it makes noice

 

[cloakedmapl]

just ask yourself, is nothing something? and you'll be set for life

 

[Bluiiee]

it does but no one hears it , i mean of course it does have you heard a tree fall?

 

[Joker]

stupid question.

 

[Junkers]

It all depends how far away someone is to hear the noise. We should put a tape recorder in the middle of a forest and find out...

 

[Sprayz]

it will sound like :

"WTF!? ZOMGBBQH4X"

 

[Stup]

put it like this,

Your Singing in your room.
No one home. No one can hear you
Are you actually making a noise with you voice?

conclusion:
yes they make a fucking a noise, just u werent near it to hear lol