The Copenhagen Interpretation

Documentary

This film describes Danish philosopher, Niels Bohr’s controversial contribution to quantum physics and its impact in his time on his peers, including Albert Einstein. The implications of Bohr’s theory on the work of contemporary physists is also explored in the film.

Watch

If you are an associated media professional with an allocated login, you can watch more here. Login »

The Copenhagen Interpretation

The Copenhagen Interpretation

Copenhagen interpretation_Best Scientific Film European Science Film Festival 2007 Copenhagen interpretation_Best Educational Programme Czech Film Festival Tech 2005

“Die Welt kann nicht so verrükt sein.”

– Albert Einstein

The Copenhagen Interpretation refers to Niels Bohr’s controversial philosophical theory about the vital interpretative role the measuring apparatus plays when observing the atomic world. The theory ran counter to the established tenets of quantum physics of Bohr’s time, and specifically, clashed with Einstein’s classic observation that everything is determined by cause and effect.

Ever since the Copenhagen Interpretation was mooted in 1927, the implications of the theory have caused controversy. Like many of his colleagues then and now, Albert Einstein could not live with the idea of the world being inherently random and chaotic.

Even today Bohr’s thoughts remain controversial because they call into question the very existence of the smallest building blocks in the universe.

Drawing on unique archival footage and interviews with a number of the world’s leading physicists, this film depicts the philosophical schism that arose in the wake of Bohr’s theories.

Director Lars Becker-Larsen
Producer Flemming Arentoft
Produced by Arentoft Film
Duration 58 min.
Year of Production 2004
Original Title Københavnerfortolkningen
Print