Audibility

The calorimetric and thermometric thought experiments have introduced the specific energy and vis viva. Next we compare differences in these quantities to define internal energy and temperature. This requires another binary description as follows.

 Tampan, Paminggir people. Sumatra 19th century, 44 x 47 cm. From the library of Darwin Sjamsudin, Jakarta. Photograph by D Dunlop.

Let X denote some generic sensation. Try to compare X with the reference sensation of hearing a heartbeat. Report the result using one of the following algebraic statements.

If X is like a dream or hallucination, then it is not comparable to the reference sensation and we say that

$\varepsilon =0$

If X is like hearing a heartbeat, then set

$\varepsilon =-1$

If X is a sensation like vision, smell or taste, but not like hearing, then say that

$\varepsilon =+1$

If X is a sensation that is both like and not-like hearing, then X is a composite experience and so report

$-1 \le \varepsilon \le 1$

Definition: the number $\varepsilon$ is called the audibility of a sensation. As an example, consider Anaxagorean sensations which are always perfectly distinct and sensual by definition. Then $\varepsilon =\pm 1$ for any Anaxagorean sensation and its associated seed.

 Next step: quarks are indestructible.
 Summary
 Adjective Definition Audibility $\varepsilon \equiv \begin{cases} +1 &\sf{\text{if a sensation is like hearing }} \\ -1 &\sf{\text{if a sensation is not like hearing }} \end{cases}$ 4-6
page revision: 166, last edited: 06 Mar 2016 19:04