If a tree falls down in a forest

[Booldawg]

and theres no-one around - does it make a sound?

I've often had that poser put to me and the only conclusion I can come up with is....

Whoever asks this question believing it is taxing puzzler is a complete half-wit. Of course it makes a sound.

But what I need to know is; If I call that person a halfwit but they're not in earshot do the words actually come of my mouth?

[woofgang]

the simple answer is that God hears the tree, and, by extension, you!

[woofgang]

Now, there is a poem by Ronald Knox,
"God
Must think is exeedingly odd:
If he finds that this tree
Continues to be
When there's no one about in the Quad."

An "anonymous" reply is
"Dear Sir: Your ashtonishment's odd:
I am always about in the Quad.
And that's whay the tree
Will continue to be
Since observed by
-Yours faithfully
-God."