Challenging What We Hear & Know About Sound
Sound shapes our world, but what if our understanding of it is fundamentally flawed? Jeff Hawley’s Liberal Studies capstone, “(Further) Against Primary Sound. Account of Echoes,” takes on this challenge, diving into the philosophical intricacies of how sound and echoes are perceived. Building on critiques of Casey O’Callaghan’s Primary Sound Account of Echoes, Jeff examines real-world scenarios—like resonating snare drums and vibrating glass panes—that expose cracks in widely accepted theories. His work raises provocative questions about whether echoes are truly identical to their primary sounds or if they are distinct events entirely.
Awarded Capstone with Distinction, this project pushes the boundaries of sound theory, challenging assumptions about how sound behaves in the spaces around us. By scrutinizing these “ideal conditions,” Jeff reveals how abstract philosophical ideas often stumble when applied to real-world phenomena. His findings open new avenues for exploring how we define and experience sound in both everyday life and academic discourse. Curious to learn more?
Explore the full capstone here.
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