Does a tree exist if no one is there to observe it?

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The discussion revolves around the philosophical and quantum mechanics implications of the question, "If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" Participants explore whether the tree exists without an observer and the nature of wave function collapse. It is clarified that wave functions do not collapse solely in the presence of humans, and the tree's existence is independent of observation. The conversation also touches on the principle of deferred measurement in quantum mechanics, suggesting that interactions with the environment can provide information about the tree's state. Ultimately, the consensus is that the tree exists regardless of observation, although some attributes may depend on it.
  • #121
DaveC426913 said:
This is completely false. Why would you say such a thing?

Are you saying that when the tree hits the ground, the air around the tree is not moved? Does it not propogate these movements in a spherical front radiating out from the tree at the speed of sound?

I am not at all saying that. If I did I would accept the notion of a mind-independent structured world.
 
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  • #122
This one isn't philosophy either. Dave is right, the riddle is a silly one that reduces to an argument over the definition of "sound". If a "sound" is a pressure wave, then yes, it exists whether anyone/thing hears it or not. If "sound" is what is detected by our ears, then it doesn't. The line of discussion about whether anything exists independent of the mind is just overzealous Matrix fandom.

Thread locked.
 

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