When a Tree Falls in the Woods, Does It Make a Sound?

One of the most commonly asked philosophical questions is, ‘When a tree falls in the forest, and there is no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?’ This philosophical issue introduces a great topic for reflection on the correlation between social and physical processes happening in the world and the relationships between diverse events. Such problems are generally viewed by philosophers, scientists, and epistemologists as they regard various aspects inseparable from people’s lives, such as knowledge, truth, and even education. Moreover, the example of the fallen tree helps populations, communities, and individuals reflect on their role in society and their impact on the general flow of life. Hence many students in the field of philosophy are often introduced to this perspective to improve their reflecting, analytical, and critical thinking skills in young adults.

In general, the issue relates to metaphysics; therefore, this philosophical problem reflects on the true existence and materiality of things and objects. As the direction of materiality and existence lies in the basis of the whole philosophical science, it is considered by many scientists, researchers, and philosophers. The ‘fallen tree’ issue is one of the examples of this perspective of social sciences, especially psychology; however, it is one of the most known fields of discussion in this area. It cannot be considered a separate philosophical problem due to its integration into other perspectives and fields of social sciences, such as several epistemological aspects.

This philosophical puzzle can be considered an epistemological problem based on different aspects. Horsthemke (2017) underlines the importance of epistemology for the prevention of chaos and the total breakdown in society and supports the need for an epistemological explanation of diverse problems. The crucial problem that is important in this discipline is the source of knowledge along with justified belief. According to Baird and Calvard (2019), society can be held to share several epistemic beliefs or habits generally concerning knowledge, information, and truth concerning their verification. Additionally, epistemology can be defined as evidence for justified belief and unity of this knowledge in terms of philosophy (Boon & Baalen, 2018). In this case, the problem of the fallen tree can be related to the epistemological issue.

In terms of the modern world, the sound produced by the fallen tree can be examined via diverse electronic devices, such as audio, video, or sound recorders. However, this is not a profound solution to the problem as those technical mediators give a sense of people’s presence in the place where the tree falls. Therefore, this philosophical perspective cannot be studied, and scientists can only reflect on its nature and analyze it. In addition, if this aspect cannot be proven, only hypothesized, its relation to the epistemological problem if knowledge justification becomes apparent. Moreover, philosophic hypotheses are generally axiomatic; hence diverse explanations of the fallen tree issue can be drawn, and none of them can be considered fully inappropriate.

Epistemology reflects on diverse problems of skepticism as well. Therefore, the examined philosophical question can be reflected from the perspective of skepticism. As mentioned above, various hypotheses and conclusions can be presented on the issue; hence any of them can face criticism and skepticism from other scientists. Additionally, the issue itself is rather controversial concerning different aspects; therefore, incredulous thinking cannot be avoided. For example, on the one hand, the fallen tree can be considered to produce a sound even in the absence of people or other creatures around it. This theory can be supported by general laws of physics, mathematics, and other exact sciences, as well as the relevant conditions for sound production, including the presence of atmosphere or gravitation.

On the other hand, various theories stating against evidence-based hypotheses are suggested by researchers in the fields of social sciences, philosophy, and psychology. For instance, different theories explaining events from the perspective of energy outbursts explain that some things are happening only when people pay attention to them. In this case, as people generally do not pay attention to a single fallen tree, its fall does not matter; hence the sound might not be produced. Both directions of the problem consideration can be criticized from the positions of religion, social or exact sciences, and the nature of things. Skepticism being an integral part of any debate, is generally present in the process of philosophic reflection. Therefore, the question about the fallen tree and its made sound can be considered in correlation with several epistemological problems, which provides researchers with a broader field for discussions and examinations.

Many researchers and philosophers reflected on this problem and tried to draw conclusions based on their perception of the issue and the existing evidence. One of the most known philosophers and epistemologists is the English physician John Locke who is considered to be one of the first British empiricists. Based on John Locke’s core idea, objects have qualities that cause people to have sensations and understandings of the surrounding objects and events. Hence, this philosopher would consider the ‘falling tree’ issue as natural and state that the tree physically exists and can produce sounds. However, this statement is only the predicted, probable, and subjective opinion of this British physician and scientist; therefore, it cannot be taken for granted.

In my perception, John Locke’s opinion is supported by exact sciences; therefore, it seems to be rather reliable. I support this point of view; however, I am quite controversial concerning this issue. For example, my rational part tells me that the most appropriate solution for this philosophic problem is to rely on numbers and general equations made by the examination of the issue. I believe that appropriately structured and arranged mathematical calculations do not lie in this case.

Simultaneously, my spiritual and religious part believes in the existence of several aspects that numbers cannot explain. From my point of view, the theory of focusing attention is quite interesting and evidence-based enough as well. It suggests that people, as well as other physical objects, consist of atoms that include electrons, neutrons, and positrons; therefore, all features in the physical world and the environment possess almost the same components. Based on this theory, it can be concluded that everything around people and people themselves is made of energy or positive, negative, and neutral charges; hence, nothing physical exists. The objects get in their physical state only when they are paid attention to; that is why the tree’s energy cannot produce a sound when nobody focuses on its fall. However, in conclusion, I support the idea of the tree as a sound producer. Both hypotheses can support this idea because, in the case of the fallen tree, there always is a person who cares about it anyway, for example, the forest warden.

References

Baird, C., & Calvard, T. S. (2019). Epistemic vices in organizations: Knowledge, truth, and unethical conduct. Journal of Business Ethics, 160, 263-276. Web.

Boon, M., & Baalen, S. V. (2018). Epistemology for interdisciplinary research – shifting philosophical paradigms of science. European Journal for Philosophy of Science, 9(16), 1-28. Web.

Horsthemke, K. (2017). ‘#FactsMustFall’? – Education in a post-truth, post-truthful world. Ethics and Education, 12(3), 273-288. Web.