Originally posted by PalynkaWell, my answer to this is "No" because for a sound to be a sound it has to be heard. Without anyone there, all you have is pressure waves traveling through the air.
Surely I'm not the only one thinking that you did not understand the question.
What's your alternative interpretation of the question?
Originally posted by BeltaineYou've answered it then, haven't you?
Well, my answer to this is "No" because for a sound to be a sound it has to be heard. Without anyone there, all you have is pressure waves traveling through the air.
What's your alternative interpretation of the question?
What's your definition of noise?
Is it something that could be heard or is it something that is heard?
If your girlfriend sleeps with another guy and never tells you and you never find out. Did she cheat on you?
Originally posted by BeltaineYou're sticking to the literal meaning of the question. But why is that question even being asked?
Well, my answer to this is "No" because for a sound to be a sound it has to be heard. Without anyone there, all you have is pressure waves traveling through the air.
What's your alternative interpretation of the question?
Originally posted by shavixmirYes I think I have answered it, but it's supposed to be hard or impossible to answer isn't it?
You've answered it then, haven't you?
What's your definition of noise?
Is it something that could be heard or is it something that is heard?
If your girlfriend sleeps with another guy and never tells you and you never find out. Did she cheat on you?
I think there are many different definitions for noise depending on the context. In the context of this discussion, I would say it's the same as sound. What do you think?
Potential isn't mentioned in the question - a tree falls, there is no one there. Those are clearly defined parameters.
In answer to the girlfriend question, I would say "yes" because she knows about it even if I don't.
Originally posted by BeltaineIs an old cherub like an old chestnut? Or maybe a young chestnut?
If a tree falls in a forest with no one there, does it make a sound?
Am I the only person who thinks the answer to this old cherub is simple and obvious?
Here's a thought from the late George Carlin: "If a man speaks in the forest and there is no woman there to hear it, is he still wrong?"
Originally posted by SeitseAh! So you're saying it's really all about solipsism? If it is, then I can think of better ways of framing the question.
You have [b]missed entirely the meaning of the question.
Is the human necessary for things to 'exist'?
Is thought preceding the material phenomena?
Are things really 'there', regardless of our presence?
Cogito ergo sum?[/b]