drink the wild air

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Why do people think the 'tree falling in the forest' question is profound? I think it is far too anthropocentric to be a relevant question.

Hey Sara!
I think it's pretty lame too, but that's because I have been corrupted by scientific cynicism. Sound is the brain's interpretation of the physical changes that occurs when atoms collide (and push on the tympanic mems.). The energy transformation from mechanical to electrical signals happens in your inner ear and our brain's interpretation of those electrical impulses is sound. So, one could say that anything that perceives these physical changes (via any sort of ear) witnesses the 'sound' and thus, of course it makes a sound. Just ask the little creatures! And lets hope the tree didn't fall on any of them because it would create more than just sound.

I will call you to hook up the GR plans.

By Glenn Reyn, at 1:00 PM
"Anthropocentric" is a good word. Way to casually drop it into a sentence. I don't know why people like that question. Of course the tree makes a sound. Dorks. It's not like that tree's in outer space or something. Geeeesh.

Oh yeah, before I forget, let's totally hang out when I'm in MI. It'll be fun.

By James, at 8:55 PM