We weren’t there, but we heard that…

If a tree falls in a forest, and there’s no-one around to hear it, does it make a sound?

Well, we can debate that till the cows come home, and bore ourselves to death in the process. Perhaps then, when we reach the pearly gates, St Peter will finally be able to answer all those metaphysical questions that us humans have about the nature of existence and reality.

In the meantime, being a tad on the geeky side of the continuum, let’s look at the scientific answer, as best we’re able, since a random Googling of the question appears to reveal some disagreement among the scientists too.

One thing seems clear: when a tree falls, it creates vibrations in the air surrounding it. In other words, it creates sound waves. But then opinion seems to diverge.

For some people, this seems to be enough. If sound waves are present, then sound exists. Ergo (yup, that’s some fancy Latin inserted for this special scientific-like post), the tree always makes a sound when it falls, regardless of whether anyone’s in the vicinity or not.

On the other hand, some people argue vociferously that sound waves require a receiver in order for them to actually be perceived as sound. So, without an ear drum to interpret the sound waves created by the falling tree, it dies a silent death. This particular answer seems to partly rely on human arrogance which assumes that only human eardrums count. What about the birds and small furry creatures and bugs that abound in forest settings? Do bugs even have eardrums? How about ents? What if the tree is an ent? Enquiring minds want to know.

And while enquiring minds are waiting on the answers, they can buy the t-shirt instead:

Tree Falling In Forest T-Shirt (White)

More colors and sizes are available in our online store.