I think this is more say an auditory reset because it allows you to really focus at first due to the lonesome silence. You become so anxious waiting for a sound or song to come of this piece however you then begin to realize that nothing is being heard. I would think of this as a great warm up to an audience allowing them to appreiceiate the actual melodies, harmonies, and tones when they come to be present.
Paul, I think that is valid from a psychological point of view. But 4'33" is a LONG duration for a reset, isn't it? Doubtless this is part of the goal. Sensitizing, focusing on the "silence" is certainly at the heart of Cage's intention. But he goes further in maintaining that there really is no such thing as silence, ever. Even in an anacheoic chamber one can hear the neurological processes in one's own body. But bravo--it's all about becoming sensitized to the "music" around us which we may not recognize as music. Thanks.