Department of Philosophy

Hearing Waves: Analogy Between Sound and Light

Calvin Kwok
University of Hong Kong

Abstract:
Contemporary investigation into the philosophy of sound began around 20 years ago. Before that, there were two main theories of sound. Wave theory, which can be traced back to Aristotle, says that sounds are compression waves. Despite the fact that wave theory is a common assumption in natural science, many philosophers of sound reject it. Property theory, on the other hand, says that sounds are properties of sound sources. A classic example is John Locke’s view that sounds are secondary qualities along with colours, smells, and tastes. These two theories analogise sound to different things. For wave theory, sound is analogous to light. For property theory, sound is analogous to colour. In this talk, I motivate wave theory by rejecting the second analogy and defending the first one. Then I respond to the most common objection against wave theory and examine the consequence on our conception of auditory perception.

Thursday, November 7
4:00-5:30 pm
Room 10.27 Run Run Shaw Tower
Centennial Campus
University of Hong Kong

For inquiries: Amit Chaturvedi amitc@hku.hk